Description
Baked salmon brings tender, flaky fish straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, this simple recipe delivers a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb salmon fillet
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a clean baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Cut the 1 lb salmon fillet into 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and easy eating.
- Pour 2 tbsp olive oil over salmon pieces in a mixing bowl, coating each chunk completely for moisture retention.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper across the salmon. Toss gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Arrange seasoned salmon pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so each piece has room for heat circulation.
- Slide the baking sheet into the 400°F oven and roast for exactly 10-12 minutes, checking that salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove salmon from oven and immediately scatter 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley across the top for color and brightness.
- Transfer salmon to serving plate and accompany with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over each piece before enjoying.
Notes
- Check salmon freshness by ensuring it has a mild ocean scent and firm, shiny flesh without discoloration.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon that remains moist and flaky.
- Experiment with alternative seasonings like dill, thyme, or cajun spice blend to customize the flavor profile according to personal taste preferences.
- For gluten-free and low-carb diets, this recipe naturally fits without modifications, making it an excellent protein-rich meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg