Dinner
Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon
Flaky, tender salmon baked with garlic, lemon and dill — a healthy dinner on the table in 20 minutes.
By the Forkful editorial team · Published
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Makes
- 4 servings
Salmon is one of the most searched fish recipes on Google, and baking it is the easiest, most foolproof way to cook it at home. There is no splattering pan and no flipping — just a hot oven and 15 minutes.
A quick garlic, lemon and dill mixture keeps the fish moist and adds plenty of flavour without hiding the salmon itself. Serve it with rice, potatoes, a green salad or roasted vegetables for a light, high-protein dinner.
Ingredients
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- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Chopped fresh parsley, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish or sheet with parchment.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place the fillets in the dish, skin-side down.
- Mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and dill, and brush it over the fish. Season with the salt and pepper and top with the lemon slices.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The USDA recommends 145°F (63°C); many cooks take it out at 125–130°F (52–54°C) for a silkier, medium centre.
- Rest for 2–3 minutes, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Tips for the best result
- 1Thickness matters more than weight: allow roughly 4–6 minutes per ½ inch (1.5 cm) of thickness.
- 2White beads appearing on the surface are a sign the salmon is starting to overcook.
- 3Let the fillets sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking so they cook more evenly.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold in salads or reheat gently, covered, at 275°F (135°C) so it does not dry out.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bake salmon with the skin on?
Yes, if you have it. The skin protects the fish from drying out and slides off easily after baking.
Can I bake salmon from frozen?
Yes. Rinse off any ice, brush with the oil mixture and bake for 20–25 minutes, checking that the centre is cooked through.
What should I serve with baked salmon?
Rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus, green beans or a simple salad all work well.
