Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

Name: Easy Baked Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 lb salmon fillet (about 1-inch thick); Zest of 1 large lemon; Juice of half of the lemon; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for pan)

By Amy Dong
Updated May. 24, 2024

This Baked Salmon, using simple sheet pan is a deliciously quick and easy weeknight meal that’s healthy and flavorful. This easy salmon recipe only needs 15 minutes.

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Video: Watch Us Make Baked Salmon

The Easiest Baked Salmon

An easy, flavorful baked salmon on a sheet pan? We’re talking minimal prep, minimal dirty dishes, and maximum healthy-deliciousness in under 30 minutes. This lemony baked salmon is absolutely for daily weeknight occasions. Looking for more easy ways to cook salmon? Try this salmon in the air fryer recipe!

Why This Recipe Works So Well

It’s crazy easy and deliciously tender and flavorful
You really only spent 20 minutes on it.
It’s restaurant quality salmon, but way more affordable and totally manageable.
There’s basically zero cleanup.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Fresh basil is a unique addition to this simple baked salmon, and lends a fabulous flavor profile
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest are key; bottled lemon juice is not recommended.
Basic pantry seasonings such as garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to bring all the flavors alive.

Easy Sheet Pan Method

For most sheet pan dinners, you’ll want to use a sturdy, large sheet pan with rims to prevent any spillage of savory juices onto the bottom of your oven.
Avoid flimsy or thin metal pans.
Always line with heavy duty foil and grease it prior to placing ingredients on it. This helps with super easy clean up, without any food sticking to the foil. When you’re finished cooking, just fold up the used foil and toss away.

How Long to Bake Salmon

This lemon salmon needs only 15 minutes on the sheet pan total. From start to finish, this broiled salmon comes together in about 20 minutes. You’ll roast your salmon on a large sheet pan for 10 minutes and then finish it off with a 5-minute high broil for gorgeous browning and color.

Pro Tips For perfect Results

Use salmon that’s about 1-inch thick; if it’s thinner than that, please lessen cook time to ensure your beautiful salmon isn’t overcooked.
As a rule, always use paper towels to pat dry your fish prior to adding seasonings. It’s tempting to skip that part, but don’t skip it. Removing excess moisture from your fish is important for both flavor and browning results.
Watch closely when your salmon is under the broiler, ensuring even browning without burning.
Let finished dish rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving, to retain juiciness.

Try this Marinated seared ahi tuna, too

Did you make this?

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