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Easy Simple Baked Salmon Recipe with 5 Ingredients for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy baked salmon recipe using just five simple ingredients that delivers juicy, flavorful salmon perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Optional: Pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, juice from one medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons), minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  4. Brush or spoon the marinade evenly over each salmon fillet, covering top and sides. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
  5. Arrange salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) on a parchment-lined baking sheet or oven-safe dish, spacing fillets apart.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (about 12 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets), until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes to lightly caramelize the top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry before marinating helps the marinade stick and prevents steaming. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Let the salmon rest after baking to keep it juicy. For a caramelized top, broil briefly at the end. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet for even cooking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a low oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, simple dinner, healthy salmon, quick salmon, 5 ingredient recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, keto-friendly