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
Made this for a dinner party last night and it got rave reviews! I used evoo since it was what I had so baked at 425 until done to avoid smoking at a higher temp. People liked it so much they asked for the recipe. So simple and so tasty.
I wanted to make this tonight, but I don’t have parsley, but I do have fresh dill. I’m afraid that the dill, the Dijon and the lemon is going to be too strong. What do you think?
Hi Susie! Dill works great with salmon too. You can adjust the amount, add it to taste so it’s not overpowering.
Made this for dinner. This recipe is a Winner! Winner! Winner! My family really enjoyed it! Super easy, and delicious. Thank you Natasha!
My husband said this is the best way to have salmon! Everyone else liked it too. So easy to prepare. Many thanks!
Our go to recipe when serving salmon. Better than a fancy restaurant. So moist and delicious
I will not make salmon any other way from now on! This was such a huge hit with my family, thank you!
Loved the marinade used in thia baked salmon! It turned out irresistibly delicious 😋
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sha!
My family love it!!! They thought I spent a lot of time preparing it 😉. It’s now one of our favorite dishes for any type of occasion, branch , dinner, casual and formal. Thanks so much, Natasha!
I’m so glad, Monica!
I made this salmon tonight… It was a total hit with my husband who is not a big salmon fan..😉
That’s awesome, Fran!
Oh your Salmon looks soooo delicious! Can’t wait to try it. I love watching you cook up things. Your sharky came out to help you pepper the Salmon, he is so cute.
Salmon is my favorite!!I I love the marinade! It’s easy & so buttery & tender! It’s a great date night in dish!
Hi Natasha, can’t wait to try you oven baked salmon recipe ! I’m the only one to love fish, my husband is allergic to all fish and seafood.
I hope you love it, France!
Absolutely delicious recipe. I cooked it exactly as written and it was perfect. I am going to keep a batch of the marinade in the fridge and salmon in the freezer and a boytle of wine for a quick x outrageously easy dinner.
Richard
Great simple recipe, it never fails to impress!! Thanks 🥰
Hi Natasha, I’m 75 and do my fair share of cooking around the house. My family will attest, I am not a fan of salmon, but I wanted to try some new recipe. Yours became the victim of my quest. Well, my wife and 2 sons LOVED the salmon. I actually enjoyed it myself, (although, you have not made me a salmon lover) LOL It was very good and I did tolerate the salmon. The best salmon I ever tried.
Thank You !!
Hi Stan! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m so glad it was enjoyed.
I doubled the volume of marinade. My entire family loved it. Very quick dinner to pull together, paired with asparagus and rice. Highly recommend, especially for a quick weeknight meal!
That is the best when the family loves what we moms make. That’s so great! Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Steph!
Thank you for this great salmon recipe…we LOVE salmon! Is it OK to grill the salmon with this recipe?
Hi Becky! Yes, you can reference my Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe for instructions.
Hi, I am making this tomorrow for a friend. Wondering if I can make the marinade ahead of time? Thank you!
Hi Laura! I think that would be fine. Just keep it refrigerated.
Made it last night for company. Everyone raved upon their first bite of the salmon. Even my husband and I thought it was the best we ever had! Thanks so much!!!!
That’s awesome feedback, thank you for sharing!
I have a maple recipe that the family loves, was hesitant to veer off that… this did not disappoint!! I know have two go to salmon recipes that the family will eat. Thanks for sharing!
That’s great, Jenn!