Baked Salmon
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Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is the dinner to master first. A hot 400F oven cooks four fillets in about 12 minutes, with lemon, garlic, and a little butter doing all the seasoning. The fish stays moist because it roasts fast and comes out the moment it flakes. This recipe serves four and pairs with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
Directions
- Heat the oven to 400F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil and set the salmon fillets skin side down, leaving space between them.
- Stir the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops and sides of the fillets.
- Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 125F to 130F at the thickest part for medium.
- Rest 3 minutes, scatter the dill or parsley over the top, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips and variations
- Pull the salmon at 125F to 130F. It climbs a few degrees while it rests and stays tender.
- Pat the fillets dry before brushing on the butter so the surface picks up color.
- Thicker center-cut fillets cook more evenly than thin tail pieces. Buy even thickness when you can.
- Leftover salmon flakes into salads, grain bowls, and pasta the next day.
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Common questions
- What temperature should baked salmon reach
- Pull it at 125F to 130F for moist, medium salmon. It carries over to about 135F as it rests. Cook to 145F if you prefer it fully firm.
- How long does salmon bake at 400F
- Most 6-ounce, 1-inch fillets take 10 to 14 minutes. Thinner pieces finish closer to 10, thick center cuts closer to 14.
- Should I bake salmon skin up or skin down
- Skin side down. The skin shields the flesh from the hot pan and lifts away easily once the fish is cooked.
- How do I know when salmon is done
- It turns opaque and flakes when you press it with a fork. An instant-read thermometer is the surest check.
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