To make perfect baked salmon in under 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Season four salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them on the baking sheet, skin-side down. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic and olive oil and brush it onto the salmon fillets. Add a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary to each fillet and bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Serve with additional garnishes if desired. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
How to Make Perfectly Baked Salmon in 30 Minutes or Less
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray. This will save you time on clean up later on.
- Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic and olive oil. Brush the garlic mixture evenly onto the salmon fillets.
- Place a slice of lemon on top of each salmon fillet.
- Place a sprig of fresh rosemary on top of the lemon slice on each salmon fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges and fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.
Tips:
- If you’re not a fan of rosemary, you can substitute it with thyme or dill.
- If you want a crispy skin on your salmon, turn on your oven’s broiler on high for the last 1-2 minutes of baking time.
- For additional flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or drizzle of honey on top of the salmon before baking.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
This recipe for baked salmon is simple, delicious, and perfectly suited for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, lemon, and rosemary is a classic flavor trio that complements the natural richness of salmon. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have perfectly baked salmon on the dinner table in 30 minutes or less. Enjoy!