5 Easy Oven-Baked Salmon Recipes for Quick Meals

When it comes to quick, easy, and nutritious meals, oven-baked salmon stands out as a fantastic option. Not only is salmon packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, but it also offers a rich flavor profile that can be enhanced with simple ingredients and cooking methods. Here are five delicious and straightforward oven-baked salmon recipes that you can easily incorporate into your weekly meal plan for a burst of flavor and nutrition.

1. Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon

Lemon and herbs bring a light and refreshing taste to salmon, making it one of the simplest yet flavorful dishes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, then sprinkle with dill and parsley.
5. Lay lemon slices on top of the salmon.
6. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

2. Honey-Glazed Baked Salmon

For a sweet twist to your salmon, try this honey-glazed recipe that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place salmon in a baking dish and pour the honey mixture over the fillets.
4. Turn the salmon to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting once halfway through cooking.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

3. Mediterranean Baked Salmon

Enrich your salmon with flavors from the Mediterranean for a vibrant and healthy dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
3. Arrange the salmon in a baking dish. Place lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, and olives around the salmon.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

4. Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors combined with the sharpness of garlic with this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the fillets.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through.

5. Spicy Lime Baked Salmon

Add a kick to your salmon with this zesty and spicy lime glaze.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Juice of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix lime juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Pour the marinade over the salmon.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, spooning the marinade over the salmon halfway through.
5. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

🔍 Note: Cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets and your oven's characteristics. Always check for doneness by seeing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

With these five oven-baked salmon recipes, you have a variety of flavors to explore, each bringing out the best in this healthy and versatile fish. From the light and refreshing Lemon-Herb to the zesty and spicy Lime-Glazed, these dishes are perfect for anyone looking to add more fish to their diet without spending hours in the kitchen. They're not only easy to prepare but also delicious, ensuring your meal prep is both efficient and enjoyable. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these recipes offer an array of options that can cater to different tastes and preferences.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

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Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C).

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for these recipes?

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Yes, but you might need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It’s best to thaw the salmon first for even cooking.

What can I serve with baked salmon?

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Salmon goes well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, quinoa, or a light salad to complement its rich flavor.