Description
This Best Baked Salmon Recipe delivers perfectly flaky and flavorful salmon fillets with a fresh parsley and lemon marinade, baked to juicy perfection. Ideal for a quick and healthy dinner, this recipe is simple yet full of vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 filets
- 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
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side-down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make 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 fully incorporated.
- Apply Marinade: Generously brush the marinade over the top and sides of each salmon filet, ensuring even coverage. Then place one lemon ring on top of each piece for garnish and added flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon uncovered in the preheated oven at 450°F for 15 minutes or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. To ensure safety and doneness, check that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part using an instant-read thermometer. Avoid overcooking to maintain moistness.
Notes
- Once the glaze is applied, bake immediately to prevent the lemon juice from ‘cooking’ the salmon and making it tough.
- There is no need to marinate for an extended period; simply brush on the marinade and bake right away.
- Using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked salmon without dryness.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dill or cilantro for a different herb flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
