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–+ servings
Two perfectly cooked, seasoned salmon fillets with a crispy, dark crust served on a white plate.

Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

This easy salmon recipe is perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. It is ready in 20 minutes, which makes it good for busy weeknights, and it will impress your guests.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, wild caught if possible or 4 (6-ounce) fillets
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil for brushing

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Let the salmon come to room temperature.
  2. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil.
  3. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil skin side down. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  4. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cumin in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  5. Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until it is tender and pink at the center. The internal temperature should be between 125°F to 130°F in the center. A 1-inch thick fillet cooks in about 15 minutes.
  6. For a crispy top, when the salmon reaches 115°F, broil for about 2 minutes during the last part of the cook time.

Notes

You can brine the salmon if you wish. Mix 4 cups room-temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt in a shallow dish while the oven preheats. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes.
For extra flavor, garnish with a lemon slice or a squeeze of lemon juice.

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