Oven Baked Salmon is a delightful and easy dish that brings the delicious flavors of the sea right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just cooking for yourself, this recipe shines with its simplicity and comfort. The rich combination of buttery garlic and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar makes it a standout meal that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s one of those go-to recipes that’s perfect for both weeknights and entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best parts about this Oven Baked Salmon is how incredibly quick and easy it is to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal that will leave everyone raving about your culinary skills! On top of that, it’s budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week.
“This is my favorite salmon recipe! It’s super easy to follow, and the flavors are out of this world!”
How to Make Oven Baked Salmon
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep, making it friendly for cooks of all levels. You’ll be melting butter, sautéing garlic, and infusing your salmon fillets with a delightful mix of spices for a dish that really comes together. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create this tasty entree.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness, or use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant, about a minute.
- Meanwhile, mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Lay the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over them, then sprinkle the brown sugar spice mix on top.
- Bake the salmon in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if you desire before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, serve your oven-baked salmon alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Pair it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up that flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s also delicious with a side of crispy roasted potatoes for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Storage & Reheating
If you have any leftovers, you can easily store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in foil and freeze them. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through to ensure it stays moist.
Pro Tips
- For a perfect sear on your salmon, use a cast-iron skillet to sear it for a couple of minutes on each side before baking. This adds an incredible layer of flavor.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to your spice mix for a spicy kick.
- Always check your salmon with a fork to see if it flakes easily, which indicates it’s done to perfection!
Variations
Try experimenting with flavors! A lemon-dill seasoning can bring a fresh twist to your salmon, while adding capers can create a wonderful tangy bite. For a tropical vibe, consider a mix of brown sugar and pineapple juice. The options are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Yes! Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the seasoned salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side.
2. What should I do with leftover garlic butter?
Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it in an ice cube tray for easy use in future recipes.
3. How can I tell if the salmon is cooked?
Salmon typically cooks well at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
For more delicious seafood ideas, check out our guide on Easy Shrimp Recipes or explore our collection of Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas!
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Oven Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightful and easy dish that showcases the rich flavors of salmon with a buttery garlic and brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan, then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with the brown sugar spice mix.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider searing the salmon in a cast-iron skillet for a couple of minutes on each side before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg