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–+ servings
Two perfectly baked salmon fillets with a crispy crust, seasoned and garnished with parsley, part of The Ultimate Salmon Recipes Guide for Beginners.

Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

This easy salmon recipe is perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and is sure to impress!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets wild caught if possible
  • Olive oil
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature.
  2. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil.
  3. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil skin side down. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  4. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cumin in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  5. Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center. For a crispy top, broil for about 2 minutes during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Notes

Optional: Brine the salmon by mixing 4 cups room-temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt in a shallow dish while the oven preheats. Place the salmon in the water for 15 minutes. For extra flavor, garnish with lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice.

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