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Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

Baked Salmon

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4.5 from 2 reviews

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!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, wild caught if possible*
  • Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature (or brine it*). 
  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 (the internal temperature should be between 125°F to 130°F in the center). A 1-inch thick fillet should cook in about 15 minutes total. For a crispy top, when the salmon is at 115°F, broil for about 2 minutes (about the last 2 minutes of the cook time).

Notes

*Brine the salmon (optional): Mix 4 cups room-temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt in a shallow dish while the oven preheats. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes (this should be about the time it takes to preheat).

For extra flavor, you can garnish with a lemon slice or a squeeze of lemon juice, or try my lemon salmon recipe!