How to Bake Salmon Right Every Time
- by Omaha Steaks
- Last updated Dec 28, 2023
Salmon lovers, this one’s for you! This delicious baked salmon recipe will have a quick, simple, and nutritious meal on the table in a flash. The secret to perfectly baked salmon is simple: lock in all the delicious moisture of your salmon fillets from thawing all the way to the oven. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to bake salmon like a pro in no time.
The Best Salmon for Baking
Salmon is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy, delicious, and protein-rich meal. Omaha Steaks salmon is flash-frozen the day it’s caught and individually vacuum-sealed, locking in flavor and moisture for an exceptional seafood experience every time. We offer several delicious varieties of premium salmon:
- Faroe Islands Salmon Fillets – Boneless, skinless, and sustainably farmed salmon fillets with a beautiful, crimson-orange color and incredible flavor
- Wild Alaskan Skin-On Sockeye Salmon – Boneless, skin-on salmon fillets with rich flavor
- Marinated Salmon Fillets – Moist and flaky Atlantic salmon fillets marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, onion, pepper, and natural grill flavor
- Lemon Dill Salmon Fillets – Boneless, skinless salmon fillets pre-marinated in a delicate blend of lemon, dill, and spices
How to Bake Salmon Fillets
Here’s how to get perfectly juicy and delicious baked salmon in under 20 minutes.
Tools You’ll Need Before You Start
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Fish Spatula
- Brush (if glazing)
1. Thaw Salmon Fillets
Salmon fillets can be defrosted quickly, making them an incredibly convenient dinner any night of the week. There are two ways to thaw frozen salmon. To thaw in the refrigerator, remove the salmon from the plastic packaging, then cover and refrigerate overnight. To thaw quickly, submerge the vacuum-sealed salmon in cold water for 30 minutes or until fully defrosted. Once thawed, make sure to cook and eat your salmon within two days.
2. Prep and Season Salmon
Lightly pat the thawed salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Brush your fillets with melted butter or olive oil and season with your favorite seafood seasoning blend or our Seafood Rub with Citrus and Herb. If you’ve chosen pre-marinated fillets like our Marinated Salmon Fillets or Lemon Dill Salmon Fillets, skip the seasoning.
3. Preheat Oven to 400°F
Preheat your oven to 400°F, then place your seasoned salmon fillets on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. If baking skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
4. Bake Salmon
Bake your salmon fillets uncovered on the center rack of the oven for 12-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. You’ll know the fish is cooked to perfection when the flesh is firm to the touch and flakes easily with a fork. Let salmon fillets rest 5 minutes before serving. Check out our Omaha Steaks mobile app for a convenient cooking timer and our handy seafood cooking chart.
How to Glaze Salmon
If glazing your salmon fillets, bake undisturbed for 10 minutes. Once salmon browns brush each filet with glaze and place it back in the oven for 3 minutes. Brush fillets with glaze again and bake another 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Chef Tip: Resist the urge to cover your salmon fillets when baking them in the oven. Leaving the salmon uncovered will allow the fillets to brown on the outside, forming a slight crust, while the inside will be nice and tender.
How to Serve Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is the perfect choice for just about any occasion: casual or formal, weeknight or weekend. Serve with a lemon wedge and garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Add your baked salmon to a bed of leafy greens for a crisp Caesar or chef’s salad. Serve with sautéed spinach and quinoa fried rice for a healthy weeknight meal. End your picture-perfect meal by indulging in our premium and mouthwatering desserts.
For a flavor explosion, try Executive Chef David Rose’s simple chili orange glazed salmon recipe with our Wild Alaskan Skin-On Salmon Fillets.
Chili Orange Glazed Salmon Fillets
Ingredients
Chili Orange Glaze
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- Pinch of salt
Baked Salmon
- 4 6 oz. Wild Alaskan Skin-on Sockeye Salmon Filets
- Olive oil
- 4 teaspoons Chinese five spice seasoning
- Kosher salt
- White Pepper
Instructions
Chili Orange Glaze
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it thicken to a sauce-like consistency, about 4-5 minutes.
Baked Salmon
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Thaw salmon completely and bring to room temperature. Pat dry, brush lightly with olive oil, and season each fillet with 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice, salt, and pepper.
- Place parchment paper on baking sheet and lay salmon fillets skin-side down. Bake 10 minutes undisturbed.
- Brush fillets with chili orange glaze and bake another 3 minutes.
- Brush fillets with chili orange glaze again and bake an additional 2-3 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
More Salmon Recipes and Cooking Tips
Seafood
Responsibly sourced from oceans around the globe and always delivered frozen fresh for the greatest seafood experience any time you wish.
