Description
This Best Baked Salmon Recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon fillets with a bright and flavorful lemon parsley glaze. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the salmon is quickly marinated with garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil, then baked to perfection in just 15 minutes. The simple ingredients and minimal preparation make this an easy, impressive main course for 4 servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 filets
Marinade
- 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
Garnish
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine fresh parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Apply the Marinade and Garnish: Generously brush the marinade over the top and sides of each salmon filet. Then, place one lemon slice on top of each piece to garnish and add brightness.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through, flakes easily, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon tender.
Notes
- Apply the marinade and bake immediately; do not marinate ahead of time to prevent the lemon juice from ‘cooking’ the salmon and making it tough.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit more fresh lemon juice to the marinade but still keep baking time minimal.
- You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper as a convenient alternative to silicone liners or foil.
- Check the salmon’s doneness by gently flaking it with a fork and verifying it is opaque throughout.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the ideal internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
