Juicy Citrus-Glazed Succulent Baked Salmon Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts adore this delectable baked salmon recipe that bursts with rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

The salmon marinates beautifully in a blend of herbs and citrus, releasing incredible depth with every bite.

Bright lemon zest and fragrant dill complement the fish’s natural richness, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Fresh ingredients transform this simple dish into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

Bold seasonings and a quick cooking technique ensure the salmon remains tender and moist.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of zesty and savory notes that will impress even discerning palates.

Serve this elegant salmon to elevate your dinner and delight everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Baked Salmon Recipe – What You’ll Need

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon guarantees superior flavor and omega-3 richness, selecting center-cut pieces ensures even cooking.

• Olive Oil: Provides silky texture and helps herbs adhere to fish, choosing extra virgin ensures robust flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish and tenderizes salmon, fresh-squeezed offers superior zesty punch.
• Garlic: Infuses deep aromatic warmth, selecting fresh cloves maximizes pungent flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning: Delivers herbal complexity, selecting high-quality dried herb mix elevates overall taste.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone, choosing sweet Hungarian variety adds gentle warmth.
• Salt: Enhances natural salmon flavors, using sea salt provides mineral-rich seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers most vibrant taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finish, selecting crisp green leaves adds visual and flavor contrast.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers fresh citrus burst, choosing ripe, firm lemons ensures juiciest results.

Tools to Cook the Baked Salmon Recipe Right

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting salmon evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up super easy.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients quickly.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting salmon dry before seasoning.
• Pastry Brush: Allows even coating of marinade across salmon fillets.
• Fork: Useful for checking salmon's doneness when flaking.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.

How to Bake the Perfect Salmon Filet

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper or a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Prep the Fish

Gently dry the salmon with a paper towel and lay it skin-side down on the prepared sheet.

• Whip Together the Flavor Splash

Mix olive oil, zesty lemon juice, crushed garlic, Italian herbs, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

• Layer on the Goodness

Brush the flavor mixture generously over the salmon, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the hot oven and let it cook for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it easily breaks apart and hits 145°F internally.

• Dress and Serve

Pull the salmon out, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top, and add a few lemon wedges for that extra zing.

Baked Salmon Recipe – Tips to Make It Your Own

• Quick Cooking Tip: Rest Factor: Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and ensure even distribution of juices throughout the fish.
• Perfect Temperature Hack: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked salmon without drying out.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Twist: Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a lighter flavor profile that keeps the recipe dairy-free and heart-healthy.
• Protein-Packed Keto Option: Skip the lemon juice and replace with extra olive oil to reduce carbohydrates, making this salmon recipe keto-friendly while maintaining rich, savory flavors.
• Herb Garden Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning to create unique flavor combinations that complement the salmon's natural taste.

Present the Baked Salmon Recipe Like a Chef

• Perfect Plate Partners: Bright and herby quinoa pilaf complements the salmon's rich flavor beautifully.
• Zesty Side Companions: Roasted asparagus or green beans with a light lemon-butter drizzle add fresh crunch and color to the dish.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Arrange salmon on a white platter, scatter fresh parsley, place lemon wedges artfully around the fish, and serve with a crisp white wine for restaurant-quality appeal.
• Mediterranean Twist: Top the salmon with a quick Greek-style salsa of diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese for a tangy, refreshing finish.

Save Leftover Baked Salmon Recipe for Tomorrow’s Meal

• Quick Chilling Method: Cool baked salmon completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Smart Refrigeration Window: Store in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor quality.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain taste for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Gently warm salmon in oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve delicate moisture levels.

Succulent Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Glaze elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Fresh herbs and citrus notes create a light, elegant meal packed with protein and omega-3 nutrients.

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Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170 g each, skin on or off)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil to prevent adherence.
2. Salmon Preparation: Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Arrange fillets skin-side down on prepared baking surface, ensuring uniform placement.
3. Marinade Creation: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel. Whisk until ingredients harmonize into a cohesive blend.
4. Flavor Infusion: Lavishly brush marinade across salmon fillets, coating top and sides comprehensively. Ensure complete flavor penetration for maximum taste profile.
5. Roasting Process: Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven. Roast salmon for 12-15 minutes, tracking doneness through flaky texture and internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Fish should appear opaque and easily separate when tested with fork.
6. Finishing Touch: Extract salmon from oven with precision. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement. Serve alongside lemon wedges, allowing diners personalized flavor customization.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal salmon temperature, ensuring it reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat fish without overcooking.
• Marinade Timing: Apply marinade right before baking to prevent the acid from breaking down fish proteins, which can create a mushy texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking, use gluten-free herbs for sensitive diets, and choose low-sodium alternatives if watching salt intake.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg