Best Damn Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Experience the delight of Oven Baked Salmon in a dish that marries succulent, flaky filets with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a healthful, flavor-packed dinner that elevates your fish dinner experience effortlessly while keeping clean-up simple and preparation remarkably quick. Enjoy every savory bite.

I discovered this Best Damn Oven Baked Salmon recipe when I was looking for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t require a lot of extra steps. I use 4 salmon filets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice from 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create a dish that is not only hearty but also packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Baked in just 15 minutes, the salmon stays tender, flaky and moist. Its a simple recipe that doesn’t need any fancy techniques and its perfect for an easy fish dinner.

I love how using basic ingredients results in a meal that is both nutritious and delicious, making it one of my favorite baked salmon recipes for a healthy lifestyle. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a flavor-packed, straightforward dinner that tastes as good as it looks.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s super easy to make. I mean, with just a few ingredients and simple steps, it doesn’t take long for me to whip up a tasty meal when I’m in a hurry. Second, the flavor is amazing. The lemon juice with garlic powder gives it a bright and zesty kick that makes every bite feel fresh and yummy. Third, I like that there isn’t any messy cleanup afterwards; using foil or parchment paper on the baking sheet saves me so much time. Lastly, the salmon comes out really tender, flaky and moist, which makes it a comforting dish that I can feel good about eating.

These salmon filets are baked to perfection in only about 15 minutes. It’s pretty neat how with just 6 ingredients and no confusing steps, I get a delicious, fresh salmon dinner. I love that it’s straightforward and feels like a real meal cooked by me, even if it’s not fancy. The simple prep and cleanup just make it even more of a go-to recipe when I’m really craving something healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Salmon filets pack a protein punch with omega-3 fatty acids that promotes heart health and rich flavor.
• Olive oil is rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fats, adding a perfectly mild, nutty, buttery note.
• Lemon juice provides tangy sourness along with a vitamin C boost that brightens and balances seafood.
• Garlic powder delivers savory heat with a subtle pungency, offering a comforting aroma in bites.
• Salt enhances natural flavors by drawing out moisture, brightening taste, and balancing sweetness or acidity.
• Black pepper adds mild heat and earthiness, uniting ingredients and creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Combined, these ingredients yield a nutritious, balanced meal that excites taste buds and nourishes bodies.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon filets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice from 1 lemon (around 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil so you dont have a messy clean-up later.

3. Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel and place them on the baking sheet, skin side down if they have skin.

4. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the salmon, then squeeze the juice from 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) over the top.

5. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste) evenly over each filet.

6. If you got a minute, let the seasonings sit on the salmon to soak in.

7. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is tender, flaky and moist.

8. Check if its done by gently testing with a fork—it should flake easily when it’s ready.

9. Take the salmon out from the oven and let it rest for a minute before serving.

10. Serve your salmon hot and enjoy a simple, delicious dinner tonight!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to preheat at 450°F for baking the salmon
2. A baking sheet that will hold the salmon filets
3. Parchment paper or foil to line the baking sheet and make clean-up easier
4. Paper towels to pat the salmon filets dry
5. Measuring spoons for accurate amounts of olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper
6. A lemon squeezer (or simply use your hands) to extract the lemon juice
7. A fork to check if the salmon flakes easily when it’s done

FAQ

Best Damn Oven Baked Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find salmon filets, try substituting trout or cod for a similar vibe.
• If you’re low on olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even melted butter instead.
• Not in the mood for lemon juice? Give lime juice a go for that same tangy kick.
• Out of garlic powder? Mince up a couple of garlic cloves as a quick fix.
• If you don’t have the right salt, Kosher or sea salt can totally work, just adjust the amount a bit.

Pro Tips

1. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before you put it in the oven so it cooks more evenly.
2. Give the seasonings a few extra minutes to soak into the fish after you drizzle on the oil and lemon juice – it really helps boost the flavor.
3. Check don’t overcook by testing with a fork – you wanna see the salmon flake easily, but if it falls apart too much, it might be dry.
4. If you use foil or parchment paper, that makes clean-up a breeze, plus it helps the fish cook without sticking to the pan.