Making baked salmon is so easy, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.
This salmon fillet recipe has a flavorful citrus ginger marinade, and is baked to flaky, tender perfection!
Easy and quick, this baked salmon recipe can be halved to feed two people or doubled to feed a crowd!
Simplify Dinner Easy Baked Salmon
- Impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal that’s actually very simple to make.
- They cook super fast and bake in about 12 minutes.
- This salmon recipe uses ingredients I usually have on hand!
- Save time and stress by prepping ahead of time with a flavorful marinade that’s easy to make.
- Cook up a meal that’s both delicious and beautiful. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests.
- Make use of any leftover salmon by incorporating it into a salmon salad or croquettes.
Ingredients/Variations
This easy marinade all comes together to give this salmon so much flavor with little effort!
Salmon – Use fresh or frozen salmon filets for this recipe. If frozen, thaw the filets in the refrigerator and proceed as directed in the recipe. If the filets are flatter thinner filets, they will need less cooking time.
Juice – For a tangy orange flavor in this glaze, use good ol’ OJ. If you don’t have any orange juice, try pineapple juice or apple juice instead.
Sweetness – Sugar helps the glaze caramelize to sweeten things up with brown sugar and honey. If you only have one, use it or mix things up by adding in some maple syrup.
Flavor Ginger and garlic speak for themselves. If you don’t have fresh ginger or garlic, you can use powdered but use only 1 teaspoon of each in the marinade. Don’t leave out the toasted sesame oil, as it adds a lot of flavor.
Choosing the Best Salmon Fillets
- Look for thick, nicely marbled cuts.
- Press the thickest part of the flesh and the salmon should spring back, not remain indented.
- Give it a good sniff! Anything too fishy smelling is probably best avoided.
How to Bake Salmon Fillets
This salmon is marinated and then baked in the oven. I like to bake it until almost ready and then broil it for a minute or so at the end.
Reserve a little bit of the marinade for brushing at the end.
- Marinate salmon for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours using the recipe below.
- Bake the salmon for about 10-12 minutes (this will vary based on thickness, check your salmon early to ensure it doesn’t overcook).
- Brush with more marinade and broil 1-2 minutes.
Green onions are a pretty and fresh garnish! Try topping with a twist of orange peel as well!
What to Serve With Salmon
The great thing about this easy baked salmon recipe is how fast it is to make something so elegant. It pairs with most veggie sides and rice dishes. Below are some favorites.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Crispy Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Easy Rice Pilaf
Garlic Butter Kale Rice
Easy Oven Roasted Carrots
Roasted Green Beans
Garlic Butter Rice
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
- For each clean-up, line the baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
- Brushing melted butter on the salmon before seasoning it with salt and pepper can add extra flavor and moisture.
- Add additional fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon slices are perfect for serving.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to cook salmon to your desired temperature. The USDA recommends 145°F, although many find this to be a bit too well done and prefer a temperature closer to 125-130°F. Consuming raw or undercooked seafood may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
More Salmon Favorites
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Blackened Salmon
Honey Mustard Salmon
Did you enjoy this Baked Salmon? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Baked Salmon Fillets
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- salt and black pepper to taste
- green onions for garnish, optional
Orange Marinade
- 1 cup orange juice or pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons less sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger grate
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Set aside 2 tablespoons of marinade for brushing the salmon. Pour the remaining marinade over the salmon and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Remove the salmon from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Place the salmon, skin side down, in a baking dish or on a parchemnt paper lined rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
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Bake the salmon fillets for 10-12 minutes. Note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Check the salmon early to ensure it doesn't overcook.
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Brush salmon with reserved marinade and move to the top rack of the oven. Broil 1-2 minutes or just until cooked through, do not overcook.
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Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Fish, Main Course
Cuisine American
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no oven temp given
Instruction 2 says to “Preheat oven to 400°F.” Enjoy the salmon Marsha!
Can I sub trout for this? And, if so, what or is there a difference in timing?
I haven’t tried this with trout but I’m sure it will work just fine! Trout is usually a little bit thinner so you will likely need to adjust the cooking time.
Hi I want to make this recipe. Can it be cooked in foil pack in oven with a vegetable (asparagus)?
Thanks! Can wait to make it!!
Here is a recipe for salmon foil packs with asparagus Francesca! Enjoy!
Delicious and easy to put together. (Best Baked Salmon Fillet I have ever Had…and that includes restaurants. The best of all for me is I can treat myself right in my kitchen with this wonderful recipe.
Thanks Holly I will continue to follow you and look forward to your next Posted recipes.
Carol, thank you, you made my day! I’m so happy to hear that you love the salmon.
Outstanding,
I just made this for dinner and it was fantastic. Will definitely have again and again.
So happy you enjoyed it Mary! :)
Hi Holly, you state in your description that toasted sesame oil should not be left out? However there is no mention of it at all in the marinade before cooking. Where is it and how much is required.
Apologies for the confusion. I use 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and it is added with the remaining marinade ingredients.