This oven-baked salmon is a breeze to make and packed with flavor! Just season the fish, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks to perfection.
I love how quick it is – perfect for busy evenings when you want a tasty meal without much fuss. Serve it with veggies or rice for a full plate that pleases everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh or frozen fillets, about 6 ounces each. You can substitute with other firm fish like trout or cod if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly!
Olive Oil: This oil gives great flavor and helps the spices stick. You can use avocado oil or melted butter if you want a different taste.
Seasonings: The smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder bring a lot of flavors. You can swap smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste. Italian seasoning is a flexible choice—using dried herbs like oregano or basil also works well.
Baby Potatoes: They are convenient and delicious! If unavailable, you can use regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even sliced carrots for variety.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus pairs perfectly, but you can replace it with green beans or broccoli. Adjust cooking times accordingly as they may need different baking times.
How Do I Cook Salmon Perfectly in the Oven?
Cooking salmon in the oven is straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right:
- Preheat the oven: Ensure it’s hot at 400°F (204°C) before adding the dish. This helps to get a nice crust on your salmon.
- Use oil and season well: Rubbing salmon with olive oil lets seasoning stick better while adding moisture. Don’t skip on the spices—they enhance the flavor.
- Check for doneness: Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes after adding it to the oven.
- Keep it juicy: If the salmon fillets are thicker, you might need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Always check by flaking it gently.
Following these tips will help you cook up delicious salmon every time you’re in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!
Best Oven Baked Salmon Recipe for Easy Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
For the Potatoes:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, cut in halves or quarters
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for potatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley (for potatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for potatoes)
For the Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for asparagus)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for asparagus)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salmon dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35 minutes of cook time. You’ll feel great knowing you’re serving a healthy dinner in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This way, the oven is ready when you are!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a medium bowl, add the baby potatoes. Toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried Italian herbs or parsley, and some salt and pepper. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet, giving them some space to roast nicely.
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet with the potatoes in the oven to roast for 20 minutes. This gets them started on their flavorful journey!
4. Season the Salmon:
While the potatoes roast, grab a small bowl and mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the top, making sure it’s well coated.
5. Add Salmon and Asparagus:
After the potatoes have been roasting for 20 minutes, pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Push the potatoes to one side, and add the seasoned salmon fillets and trimmed asparagus to the pan. Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and add a little salt and pepper for flavor.
6. Add Lemon Slices:
Place lemon slices around the salmon and potatoes. They’ll add a refreshing zing as everything cooks!
7. Bake Everything Together:
Put the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is bright and tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s all cooked, take everything out of the oven, and garnish the salmon and potatoes with fresh dill if you like. Serve right away with the roasted asparagus and extra lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy every bite of your easy dinner!
This recipe creates a flavorful, crispy top on the salmon with perfectly roasted baby potatoes and tender asparagus — a complete and easy dinner all on one tray!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t available, you can easily replace it with green beans or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time, as green beans may take a few minutes longer, while broccoli may need a little less time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
For best results, it’s recommended to cook it fresh. However, you can prepare the potatoes and season the salmon in advance, covering them and refrigerating. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven together!
