Easy Quick Salmon Recipes Baked

Craving something healthy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes? I always turn to easy quick salmon recipes baked when I need a reliable dinner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Baked salmon is one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s tender, flaky, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile. With simple pantry spices, fresh lemon, and garlic, this oven-baked salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

What I love most about this recipe is how beginner-friendly it is. There’s no marinating for hours, no complicated techniques, and no mess from stovetop cooking. Everything comes together beautifully in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a light weekend dinner.

Ingredients List

Salmon Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (use just a pinch if finely ground)

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend
  (or Herbs de Provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)

• 1 medium lemon

These simple ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced baked salmon with bright citrus notes, savory herbs, and rich natural flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

When I make quick baked salmon recipes, having a few basic kitchen tools helps everything go smoothly. Here’s what I use every time:

1. Baking Sheet or Baking Dish
   A rimmed baking sheet or shallow baking dish works best to hold the salmon and catch any juices while baking.

2. Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
   Lining the pan makes cleanup effortless and prevents the salmon from sticking.

3. Small Mixing Bowl
   I use this to mix the olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper evenly.

4. Zester or Microplane
   Perfect for zesting fresh lemon to enhance the salmon’s flavor.

5. Measuring Spoons
   Accurate measurements ensure the seasoning is balanced and not overpowering.

Having these tools ready allows me to prep and bake the salmon quickly without interruptions.

Preparing the salmon properly is what makes this easy quick baked salmon recipe turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor every single time. I keep the steps simple so the natural taste of the salmon really shines.

Preparing the Salmon Fillets

First, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking salmon quickly while keeping it moist inside.

I line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Next, I place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if the skin is still attached. I always pat the salmon dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better and ensures even cooking.

Making the Garlic Herb Seasoning

In a small bowl, I mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper. This simple blend adds bold flavor without overpowering the salmon.

Using a spoon or pastry brush, I spread the seasoning mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. I make sure the top is well coated so every bite is infused with garlic and herbs.

Adding Fresh Lemon Flavor

To finish the prep, I zest a bit of fresh lemon directly over the salmon for extra brightness. Then, I slice the lemon into thin rounds and place them on top of each fillet or tuck them around the salmon. As the salmon bakes, the lemon releases its juices, keeping the fish moist and enhancing the overall flavor.

Once everything is seasoned, the salmon is ready to go straight into the oven—no marinating required.

Baking is my favorite way to cook salmon because it’s hands-off, quick, and delivers consistently delicious results. This step is where the magic happens and those simple ingredients turn into a flavorful, flaky meal.

Baking Time and Temperature

Once the oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C), I place the baking sheet on the middle rack. I bake the salmon uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Thicker fillets usually need closer to 15 minutes, while thinner ones are done around the 12-minute mark. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout.

How I Know the Salmon Is Done

To avoid overcooking, I check for these signs:

• The flesh changes from translucent to opaque

• The salmon flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork

• The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part

I’m careful not to overbake, as salmon can dry out quickly. If I want extra juiciness, I loosely tent the salmon with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Optional Broiling for Extra Flavor

Sometimes, I like to switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes. This gives the top of the salmon a slightly crisp, golden finish while keeping the inside tender. I keep a close eye on it during this step to prevent burning.

Once baked, I remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful.