How to Cook Salmon Perfectly Every Time: Easy Tips and a Go-To Recipe

Salmon is incredibly flavorful and adaptable, which makes it a favorite in the Seafood world. It cooks quickly, provides a dose of healthy fats, and pairs well with countless herbs, spices, and side dishes. Whether you’ve got plenty of experience or you’re new to the game, mastering how to cook salmon can make all the difference in your final dish.

This guide highlights the simplest, most foolproof method—baked salmon. It’s low-effort, hands-off, and delivers tender, juicy fish whenever you make it. Forget fancy gadgets or expert-level techniques. All you need are quality ingredients, the right salmon temperature, and a few helpful pointers. After you try this approach, it might become your default weeknight go-to.

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

You don’t need a long list of items for the best baked salmon recipe. Stick to fresh basics, and let the salmon be the star.

• 4 salmon fillets (about 170–200 g each), skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: lemon slices, chopped parsley, or fresh dill for garnish

Either wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon works. Aim for fillets that are firm, have vibrant color, and smell clean.

Instructions

Preparation

Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F). To simplify cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel so the oil and seasonings stick more effectively.

Cooking

1. Combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Brush this mix evenly over the fillets, then sprinkle on salt and pepper. If you’re using skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down on your prepared sheet.
2. Slide the salmon into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on how thick the fillets are. Aim for an internal salmon temperature between 52–57°C (125–135°F) for a perfectly cooked center. You’ll know it’s ready if the middle looks slightly translucent and flakes easily with a fork.
3. If you want a crispier surface, switch the oven to broil in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Serving

Give the salmon a few minutes to rest after baking. This pause allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the texture moist and tender.

• Enjoy it with steamed asparagus, vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp salad.
• Add a little lemon juice or chopped herbs for extra pop.
• Serve it alongside rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

This recipe delivers great taste while still offering a healthy option for dinner.

Tips and Variations

Salmon is a breeze to customize. Experiment with different flavors or cooking methods to keep your meals fresh.

• Try a new seasoning: Use honey, soy sauce, or maple syrup to add a sweet glaze
• Spice it up: Sprinkle on paprika, cumin, or chili flakes for added depth
• Go creamy: Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt mixed with dill and lemon zest

Learning how to bake salmon doesn’t need to be intimidating. Once you have a basic formula, feel free to explore flavors that match your preferences.

Conclusion

With this easy salmon recipe in your arsenal, you can confidently take on dinner.  When time is of the essence but you still want a good dinner, baking fish is a tried-and-true method. Make this healthy seafood dish fit in with any night of the week by following these steps and adjusting them to your liking.  Cooking salmon any other way can leave you wanting more after just one try.