This Baked Salmon recipe is juicy, flaky, and full of flavor from the zesty fresh lemon and tangy Dijon marinade. My recipe is quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and it has been one of the most popular salmon recipes on my blog.
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According to my readers, this easy Oven-Baked Salmon has impressed in-laws, saved marriages, and has even left picky eaters smiling, so watch the video tutorial below and find out why everyone loves it.
Baked Salmon Video
Watch Natasha make Baked Salmon. It might sound intimidating, but it is so simple and flavorful, and the presentation is impressive. The marinade keeps the salmon so moist, that the fish just flakes right onto your fork with each bite.
The Best Baked Salmon Recipe
I have so many incredible baked salmon recipes on our site, from Pan-Seared Salmon to Air Fryer Salmon, but this is by far the crowd favorite. When it comes to parties and entertaining, this 20-minute roasted salmon is one of our go-to seafood recipes along with the best Fish Tacos and Creamy Shrimp Pasta.
With more than a thousand 5-star reviews and my own kids’ stamp of approval (they always ask for seconds), this Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon recipe had to grace the pages of my Cookbook! It’s safe to say that this is the recipe to try if you are new to cooking fish.
Ingredients
The flavorful garlic, dijon, and lemon glaze is what truly sets this Baked Salmon recipe apart. This is a light and feel good salmon recipe but is definitely not lacking in flavor.
- Salmon – 1 1/2 lb. fillet, pin bones removed. See our tips below for removing the bones and how to shop for salmon.
- Lemon – 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings
Pro Tip:
To remove the tiny pin bones from your salmon, run your fingers across the surface of the fillet to feel for bones. They are difficult to see, so feeling for them is the best way to locate them. Use kitchen tweezers to remove the little bones, pulling in the direction that they lie.
The Best Marinade for Baked Salmon
I am convinced this is the best marinade for seafood. It works on shrimp, Lobster Tails, Salmon Skewers, and all kinds of fish (I also snuck it onto these Chicken Legs)! The best part is – there is very little prep time and no waiting time required, just brush it on and bake.
- Dijon Mustard – Creamy Dijon compliments the rich salmon and adds a tangy flavor
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed, adds a citrusy flavor that compliments fish so well
- Fresh Parsley – finely chopped
- Olive Oil – Adds rich moisture to the marinade to help prevent the salmon from drying out while baking
- Salt & Pepper – Fine sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavor of the salmon
How to Make Oven-Baked Salmon
It’s so simple to learn how to bake salmon in the oven in just a few easy steps. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for your family!
- Prepare – Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a Silpat mat. Slice salmon into 4 portions and arrange them on the baking sheet, skin-side-down.
- Make Marinade – In a small bowl, combine chopped parsley, pressed garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Baste – Divide the marinade evenly between the four pieces and brush over the top and sides of the salmon. Top each piece with a slice of lemon.
- Bake – Bake at 450°F for 12-15 mins or until just cooked through and flaky.
Pro Tip:
Once the glaze is on, bake right away, otherwise the acid in the lemon juice will start to cook the fish and make it tough. Trust me, slathering the glaze on just before baking gives this dish plenty of flavor.
Should you Bake Salmon Covered or Uncovered?
Salmon cooks quickly at high temperatures. I prefer baking uncovered so it doesn’t steam cook.
How Long to Bake Salmon
Baking the salmon at a high temperature quickly roasts the exterior and seals in the natural juiciness of the salmon, making it flaky, tender, and moist. This proven roasting method always produces excellent results:
- Time: Roast at 450°F for 12 -15 minutes
- Internal Temperature: According to the USDA, the salmon should reach 145°F at the thickest part of the fillet on an instant-read thermometer. It also should flake easily with a fork.
Since salmon varies in size depending on species, keep an eye on your fillets towards the end of baking. Thinner fillets will roast faster while thicker fillets may take longer to bake.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon
Baked Salmon pairs nicely with nearly any starch (such as Mashed Potatoes, Quinoa, or Rice), vegetable, or fresh salad. Here are some of our favorites to make a complete lunch or dinner:
Storage
- To Refrigerate: Once the salmon is cooled to room temperature, refrigerate immediately in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Tightly wrap individual cooled portions in plastic wrap and then place them into a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Reheating salmon can be a delicate process so reheat “low and slow” to keep your salmon moist. Keep your oven, stovetop, or air-fryer temperature low, and slowly bring it back to temperature. I don’t recommend microwaving salmon. You can also transform leftovers into Salmon Cakes or Salmon Cobb Salad.
More of Our Best Salmon Recipes
Where are my salmon fans? Be sure to save all of these for later. Each of these salmon recipes is unique and truly excellent.
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Tuscan Salmon
- Salmon and Asparagus
- Brown Sugar Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Dip
The Best Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 filets
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil, or vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment, or foil. Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side-down.
- In a small bowl, add the marinade ingredients: parsley, garlic, oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Generously spread the marinade, brushing over the top and sides of the salmon then top each piece with a slice of lemon.*
- Bake uncovered at 450°F for 12-15 min or until just cooked through, flaky, and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F at the thickest portion on an instant-read thermometer. Do not over-cook.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Hubby and I loved this recipe! I won’t be trying any other salmon recipes, this is our favourite!
That’s wonderful to hear, Mary! I’m glad you both loved this recipe.
What is your reason for not using extra virgin olive oil, because of the high temp? It’s the only oil I have.
Hi Stella, EVOO isn’t great for high heat cooking. I think it could work if you lowered the temperature to 400 or 425, but you would have to bake a little longer.
I always stayed away from cooking salmon – not anymore. Easy recipe & I increased the sauce as I had a larger salmon. Added some mild spice, basil & marjoram. The family loved it. Have it bookmarked on my laptop. Thanks.
That’s awesome, Judy! Happy to know that you and your family loved this recipe.
Hey Natasha!! I made this garlic and Dijon baked salmon today. I substituted the lemon juice with lime juice, and since I didn’t have any fresh parsley, I used dried parsley flakes. It was bom-diggity!!!! The salmon was so juicy and flaky. Keep posting more yum recipes like this.
Love,
Deb
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Debdutta! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi natasha, Can i substitute parsley to basil?
Hi Chin! I bet that would work here! Here’s what one of our readers wrote: “I have tried a lot of salmon recipes. This one is AWESOME. The best I’ve ever had. Added a little basil and oregano (couldn’t help it – I’m Italian).” I hope it helps!
Hi Natasha,
Have you ever cooked frozen salmon?
Thanks
Hi Marina, if frozen, we thaw before cooking. I haven’t tried cooking from frozen.
Can I use coriander instead of parsley?
Hi Patricia, I think that will work just fine
Hi, I’m getting ready to make this salmon dish for guests. Can I cook this at a lower temperature in the oven (maybe 350). If so, can I use extra virgin olive oil and how long should I bake it for?
Thanks.
Hi Maureen, I haven’t tested it at 350, but I bet that could work here. I recommend making sure it is fully cooked. Here’s what one of our readers wrote trying it at 350 degrees “I will try tonight. but with one change; I always bake “room temperatured wild salmon” at 350 for 15 minutes, no more, and always comes out great. I also put sliced red onions on top of the thinner edges.” I hope this is helpful.
Which is the mildest salmon?
Hi Pamela, I think coho or silver but let’s see what others recommend here too.
The best salmon I have ever made! Really easy and delicious recipe… Huge hit
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Jodi!
Made this for a usually picky eater last night and he went back for seconds. I used a sharp dijon and the salmon was so flavorful.
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Sabrina! That is the best when kids love what we moms make.
I was skeptical about putting Dijon mustard on my salmon but I’m glad I followed this recipe to the tea. It’s an easy recipe and it tastes great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Tellinor!
Great, tasty, easy and quick recipe. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Rena!
Natasha, I have a convection oven and was wondering if it would work for the air frying recipe?
Hi Steve, check out the air fryer instructions section above. Here is what one of our readers wrote “I also cook this in a convection oven and place the salmon on a rack (after I’ve lined the pan with foil. It cooks in about 12 minutes at 400 in the small convection oven.” I hope that helps.
This salmon was perfectly cooked, moist, delicious!! Amazing!! Love your recipes
Hi Deb, glad you loved it! Thanks for sharing your good review with us.
I was wondering can you use other fish besides salmon?
Thank you
Liz
Hi Liz, I haven’t really tried any other type of fish. If you happen to do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
So tasty and easy to make, specially cooking it in air fryer.
Your recipes are easy to follow, I’ve made few of them already. Thank you!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Wilma!
I made this for my fussy eating friend and she went back for more three times. I was the hero. Thank you.
I did give you the credit.
I’m so glad you loved the baked salmon. This is also our favorite salmon recipe.
I love this recipe and make it often. Used it on turkey chops, turkey/chicken breasts. Very easy and YUMMY
Hello Kim, great to hear that this recipe is now one of your favorites. Thanks for your good comments and feedback with us!
I made this twice in one week! Really delicious. Thank you Natasha for an easy, healthy and delicious dinner!!!
You’re very welcome, Joanne. Glad you found a new favorite!