There’s something special about a perfectly baked salmon — juicy, flaky, and full of bright, zesty flavor. This recipe combines fresh lemon, tangy Dijon mustard, and aromatic garlic for a simple yet unforgettable dish. It’s one of those go-to meals that feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight.
If you’re new to cooking salmon, this is the best place to start. It comes together in just 20 minutes, requires no marinating time, and delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌿 Fresh and flavorful: A light lemon-Dijon glaze adds brightness without overpowering the fish.
- 🕒 Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- 🍋 Moist and flaky: The high-heat roasting method keeps the salmon tender and juicy.
- 💡 Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love this one — it’s earned thousands of 5-star reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
A few simple ingredients make this salmon shine:
- Salmon – About 1½ pounds of fillet, cut into 4 portions, pin bones removed.
- Olive Oil – Helps lock in moisture while baking.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the fish.
- Dijon Mustard – For tangy depth and savory flavor.
- Garlic – Minced or pressed for that bold, aromatic touch.
- Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped for color and freshness.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances every bite.
- Lemon Slices – For garnish and extra citrus aroma.
How to Make Baked Salmon
This recipe couldn’t be easier — just mix, brush, and bake!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the fillet into 4 even pieces and place them skin-side down on the prepared sheet.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush and Bake: Spread the marinade generously over each fillet and top with a slice of lemon.
- Bake: Roast uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
💡 Pro Tip: Once you’ve brushed on the glaze, bake the salmon right away. The acid in lemon juice can “cook” the fish if it sits too long.
How Long to Bake Salmon
At 450°F, salmon cooks quickly and evenly:
- Cooking time: 12–15 minutes
- Internal temperature: 145°F at the thickest part
Thinner fillets may cook faster, so keep an eye on them near the end of baking. Perfect salmon should be moist and slightly opaque in the center.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon
This baked salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Rice
- Roasted Vegetables like asparagus or green beans
- Fresh Salads such as Caesar or cucumber salad
- Quinoa or couscous for a lighter option
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Warm slowly in a low oven or skillet to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible.
🐟 Leftover salmon makes delicious salmon cakes or a salmon salad wrap the next day!
More Salmon Favorites
If you love this baked salmon, try these next:
- Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
- Tuscan Creamy Salmon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner
⭐ Perfect Baked Salmon Recipe
Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 20 min
Ingredients
- 1½ lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ½ lemon, sliced into rings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture over each fillet and top with a lemon slice.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until flaky and cooked through. Serve warm.