Description
This Oven Baked Salmon recipe delivers a perfectly tender, flavorful salmon fillet with a delicious blend of garlic, brown sugar, and spices. Easy to prepare and cook, this dish is ideal for a healthy dinner and serves approximately six people.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2-pound whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure even cooking temperature for the salmon.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and lay the salmon fillet skin-side down on the foil for easy cleanup and to keep the fish moist.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic creating a flavorful brushing mixture.
- Apply First Layer: Brush half of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon to infuse flavor.
- Season the Salmon: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the salmon surface.
- Apply Remaining Butter: Drizzle the remaining garlic butter mixture on top of the seasoned salmon for extra moisture and taste.
- Seal and Bake: Fold the foil around the salmon to create a ‘boat’, sealing in juices, then bake for 15-22 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and registers 145°F internally.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for optimum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Using skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist while baking.
- For a citrus twist, add a few lemon slices on top before sealing the foil.
- Adjust the spices to taste or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for variation.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
