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Say hello to flavor with this easy recipe recipe for Baked Salmon! Made with a sweet and savory rub and baked to perfection, this recipe delivers perfectly seasoned baked salmon in under 30 minutes!
My Go-To Salmon Recipe
When it comes to a simple, wholesome, weeknight dinner recipe, look no further than this recipe for Baked Salmon. Rich in nutrients, good fats, and protein, salmon is a powerhouse when it comes to wholesome meals.
And while I love my recipe for salmon bites and sheet pan salmon, it is this simple baked salmon recipe I find myself turning to time and time again!
What sets this recipe apart are two things. The sweet and savory salmon seasoning and the simplicity of the recipe! With a few minutes of prep, this easy baked salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon that is as effortless to make as it is delicious to eat.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Notes on Ingredients
You will find the full list of ingredients, along with quantities in the recipe card. Below are a few tips to help you make the right selection for the best baked salmon.
- Salmon: When it comes to baking salmon, I recommend using salmon fillets with the skin. The skin will help to keep the delicate flesh intact and seal in the moisture in the fish as it cooks. If starting with a whole fillet, cut into 6-ounce portions for even and quick baking.
- Salmon Seasoning: Made with a combination of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, brown sugar, and lime zest, the seasoning creates a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes slightly as the salmon bakes. that flavors the salmon perfectly. Just delicious!
How to Make the Best Baked Salmon
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Salmon Seasoning. Prepare the salmon seasoning by mixing the spices with the brown sugar and lime zest in a small bowl.
- Season the Salmon. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning evenly over the flesh side of the salmon fillet, using your hands to pat the rub into the fillet to adhere the rub to the fish.
- Bake Salmon. Bake the salmon on a sheet pan lined with parchment or foil until the fish reaches 143℉.
- Rest Salmon. Remove the salmon from the oven, tent it with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. This will give the salmon time to reach 145℉, which is the perfect final temperature for salmon.
- Season and Serve. Squeeze each salmon fillet with lime juice. This will help the flavors to pop and finish the salmon with a nice citrus flavor. Serve immediately for best results.
Key Tips for Baked Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry BEFORE rubbing with the salmon seasoning. This will ensure the seasoning can really adhere to salmon, giving it the best flavor.
- Use limes not lemon. For this particular salmon recipe the bright flavor of lime zest compliments the salmon rub, while the lime juice will finish the salmon with the perfect acidic finish.
- Use an oven-safe digital thermometer. Salmon is best cooked to 145℉ (63℃). Because ovens vary, the best way to ensure salmon is perfectly baked is to use an oven-safe digital thermometer.
What To Serve with Salmon
You can pair this baked salmon with a variety of side dishes, but below are a few of my favorites that compliment the flavors of the salmon and salmon seasoning perfectly.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Baked Salmon
Video
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil, for greasing
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 large lime, zested & juiced
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 ounces each)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200℃). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and lightly brush the foil with extra virgin olive oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the zest of 1 large lime .
- Pat the salmon fillets with a paper towel and then sprinkle the seasoning mixture onto the flesh side of each piece of salmon. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into the flesh of the fish.
- Place the salmon, skin side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Insert an oven-safe digital thermometer into the end of the thickest part of one of the salmon fillets, ensuring that the probe is not angled downward nor touching the pan. Place the pan in the oven and cook until the salmon reaches 142℉ (62℃), about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
- Once the salmon reaches 142℉ (62℃), remove the pan from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and allow to rest until the temperature increases to 145℉ (63℃).
- Drizzle the salmon with juice of 1 large lime and then serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The texture on this salmon from the spice rub was absolutely incredible. I've been buying pricier (but higher-quality) salmon recently from Lummi so I'm choosing rubs over marinades to help preserve the salmon's texture and flavor. This recipe did NOT disappoint. Thank you for sharing!
I am so glad you enjoyed the flavor of the rub Lydia. It is a great way to prepare Salmon--especially high quality salmon.
This was absolutely delicious! So easy to make too! I will definitely make this again!
Wonderful. So glad you enjoyed!
Can I substitute lemon zest for the lime or will that make the flavors unbalanced? I don't have lime and want to avoid going to the store for just a lime.
Hi Melissa, I would use lemon zest. Enjoy!
This is definitely the best salmon recipe I have ever had in my life, no exaggeration!
Thank you so much for an amazing lunch for me and my husband.
I will be cooking with this recipe very often in the future. (Bookmarked as favourite!)
WAHOO!!! I absolutely LOVE hearing that Ellen! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. And I am happy you will be enjoying many more times.
Any instant pot fish recipes?
Hi Reginia! I am working on them 🙂
Such a great recipe! My family absolutely loves it!
I love hearing that Nellie! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
I love making salmon and this is my new favorite recipe!
The simple rub really adds tremendous flavor! Glad you found that to be true as well Renee.