5 Easy Oven Salmon Recipes for Quick Dinners

If you're looking to whip up a delicious meal that's both healthy and quick, oven-baked salmon is a fantastic choice. Renowned for its rich taste and health benefits, salmon can be cooked in numerous ways, but nothing beats the simplicity and ease of using your oven. Here are five delightful oven salmon recipes that will turn any ordinary dinner into a memorable meal with minimal effort:

1. Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon

This classic recipe infuses salmon with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon each of fresh dill, parsley, and thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the lemon mixture over each fillet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

🔥 Note: Keep an eye on the salmon during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.

2. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

For those who enjoy sweet and savory flavors, this recipe will become your go-to:

• 4 salmon fillets
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Arrange salmon fillets in a baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the fish.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
5. Drizzle with remaining sauce before serving, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.

3. Pesto Crusted Salmon

A crust of pesto adds a burst of Italian flair to your salmon dinner:

• 4 salmon fillets
• ⅓ cup prepared pesto
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges for serving

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix pesto, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan in a bowl.
3. Place salmon skin side down on a baking sheet. Spread the pesto mixture evenly on top.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust is golden and salmon is cooked through.

4. Mediterranean Style Baked Salmon

Infuse your salmon with the flavors of the Mediterranean:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, toss together tomatoes, onion, olives, capers, garlic, oil, and oregano.
3. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, then top with the tomato mixture.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice over the top before serving.

5. Spicy Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon

This recipe brings together sweet and spicy for a tantalizing meal:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk together mustard, maple syrup, Sriracha, and soy sauce in a bowl.
3. Brush mixture over salmon fillets placed in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the glaze caramelizes but doesn’t burn.

In summary, these oven salmon recipes provide a variety of flavors and cooking techniques, making it easy for anyone to prepare a nutritious and delicious dinner in no time. Salmon, being both flavorful and versatile, lends itself perfectly to being baked with various marinades and toppings, allowing for a range of culinary expressions. Each recipe has been designed to maximize flavor while keeping preparation simple, ensuring that even busy cooks can enjoy a gourmet-like meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I use frozen salmon for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

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The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, and its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

What side dishes go well with salmon?

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Salmon pairs beautifully with asparagus, roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complement its rich flavors.

Is salmon skin edible?

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Yes, salmon skin is safe to eat when cooked properly, and many people find it delicious when crispy.