Baked Salmon That Tastes Like the Coast Came Home With You
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Remove salmon from the fridge 10–15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet or baking dish with foil.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel on both sides.
- Place fillets skin-side down on the lined pan. Spoon the butter and oil mixture evenly over each fillet. Lay lemon slices on top. Drizzle with honey if using.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes gently when pressed with a fork.
- Remove from oven and rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Always pat your salmon fillets dry before seasoning — surface moisture causes steaming instead of roasting and you'll lose that lightly golden top you're going for.