My Simple Roasted Salmon Secret
This baked salmon recipe is my favorite weeknight dinner. It is so easy. You only need a few things. I call it my 5 ingredient salmon.
You just need the fish, oil, lemon, herbs, and salt. That’s it. I love how the lemon herb salmon smells while it cooks. Doesn’t that smell amazing? What is your favorite easy dinner to make?
How to Cook Salmon Just Right
Oven roasted salmon can be tricky. You do not want it dry. I set my oven to 375 degrees. I always use a piece of parchment paper. It stops the fish from sticking.
Here is my little trick. I cook it until it just flakes with a fork. For a big piece, that is about 20 minutes. The recipe says 145 degrees, but I take it out at 140. This matters because it stays so moist and tender. No one likes dry fish!
A Little Story About Herbs
My grandson once asked why I use fresh herbs. I took him to my little garden. We picked dill and parsley. He rubbed the leaves and smelled his hands.
His eyes got big. “It smells like dinner!” he said. I still laugh at that. Now he always helps me pick the herbs. Fresh herbs matter. They give the salmon with lemon and herbs a bright, happy flavor. Do you have a favorite herb?
Why This Healthy Salmon Dinner Works
This is a healthy salmon dinner. The good fats in the fish are great for your brain. The lemon helps your body use all that goodness. It is a perfect match.
*Fun fact*: The pink color of salmon comes from what they eat! Tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill. Isn’t that neat? This meal makes me feel good and strong. What foods make you feel energetic after eating them?
Your Best Roasted Salmon
Do not be scared to make this. It is the best roasted salmon because it is simple. Lay the lemon slices on top. Sprinkle your herbs. Let the oven do the work.
The final squeeze of lemon juice is magic. It wakes up all the flavors. I promise, anyone can make this easy salmon recipe. Will you try it this week? I would love to hear how it turns out for you.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillet(s) | 1 whole fillet or individual filets, any size | Skin side-down for baking |
| Olive oil | 1-2 tablespoons | As needed to lightly coat |
| Lemon | 1 whole | Sliced, with ends reserved for juicing after baking |
| Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, dill, parsley) | 1 tablespoon | Chopped; can use a mixture |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Use a generous seasoning |
Instructions
Step 1: First, warm your oven to 375°F. Lay your simple roasted salmon on a lined pan. Feel the top gently with your fingers. You might find tiny bones. (A hard-learned tip: use clean tweezers to pull them out easily.) This makes your baked salmon recipe perfect for everyone.
Step 2: Now, give your salmon a little olive oil coat. Lay fresh lemon slices on top like a sunny blanket. Sprinkle your favorite herbs all over. I love dill or thyme. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? This lemon herb salmon is so easy.
Step 3: Time for the oven! Your healthy salmon dinner will bake until it flakes. A one-pound piece takes about 20 minutes. How do you check if fish is done? Share below! I just use a fork. This method for how to cook salmon is foolproof.
Step 4: When it’s out, squeeze the leftover lemon ends over the top. That bright juice makes the best roasted salmon. I still laugh at how my grandson puckers up. Serve this easy salmon recipe right away while it’s warm and flaky.
Creative Twists
Honey Herb Glaze: Mix a spoon of honey with your herbs before baking. It adds a sweet, sticky touch.
Garlic & Cherry Tomato Nest: Toss tomatoes and garlic around the salmon. They roast into a tasty sauce.
Everything Bagel Topping: Swap herbs for everything bagel seasoning. It gives a yummy, crunchy crust.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
I love my salmon with lemon and herbs on a bed of fluffy rice. It soaks up all the lovely juices. Or, try it with roasted asparagus or green beans. For a pretty plate, add extra fresh herbs on top. This 5 ingredient salmon becomes a full, healthy salmon dinner. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Salmon Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about storing your beautiful salmon. Cool it completely first. Then wrap it tight or put it in a sealed container. It will stay good in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you are ready.
I love to make a double batch. It is a gift to your future busy self. Having a healthy dinner ready is a wonderful feeling. I remember my first big batch. I felt so clever having meals for the whole week!
To reheat, use a low oven or the microwave. Add a tiny splash of water. This keeps the fish moist. Storing food well saves money and reduces waste. It also means a good meal is never far away. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Even grandmas face little cooking problems. First, fish sticking to the pan? Always use parchment paper or oil your pan well. I once lost a perfect fillet to a sticky pan. It was a sad day for dinner!
Second, is your salmon dry? You likely cooked it too long. Salmon cooks fast. Check it a few minutes early. It will keep cooking from its own heat after you take it out. This matters because perfect cooking gives you tender, flaky fish every time.
Third, not enough flavor? Be generous with your salt, pepper, and herbs. Seasoning makes all the difference. Do not be shy. This builds your cooking confidence. You learn how flavors work together. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What temperature do you bake lemon salmon?
For this easy salmon recipe, I bake at 375°F. This temperature is the sweet spot. It cooks the salmon gently and evenly. Your lemon herb salmon will be perfectly tender. The heat allows the herbs to release their lovely flavor without burning. It is a very reliable method for a healthy salmon dinner.
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400 in the oven?
Between 350°F and 400°F, I prefer 375°F. But 400°F is good for a quicker bake. It gives the outside a nice touch. 350°F takes a bit longer and is very gentle. For this simple roasted salmon, 375°F is the best oven temperature for baking salmon. It is a safe, middle ground that works beautifully every time.
How to cook lemon and herb salmon?
This baked salmon recipe is so simple. Oil your fish, add lemon slices and herbs. Then bake. The key is the fresh lemon juice squeezed on after baking. It brightens all the flavors. This is the best roasted salmon method for busy nights. You get a delicious salmon with lemon and herbs with very little fuss.
What is the best oven temperature for baking salmon?
For most home cooks, 375°F is the best temperature. It is hot enough to cook the fish through nicely. But it is not so hot that it dries out the edges. This is my go-to for how to cook salmon. It turns out perfect oven roasted salmon that is moist and flakes just right with a fork.
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
If I had to pick, I would choose 400°F over 350°F for a faster cook. But really, 375°F is ideal. A 5 ingredient salmon like this does not need extreme heat. You want the fish to be the star. Cooking at a moderate temperature protects the delicate texture. It makes for a truly healthy and easy salmon recipe.
What temperature to bake lemon garlic salmon?
Use the same trusty 375°F. If you add garlic to your lemon herb salmon, this temperature is perfect. It cooks the garlic just enough to lose its raw bite. But it won’t let the garlic burn. You will end up with a flavorful, aromatic dish. This method guarantees a wonderful salmon dinner with minimal effort.
Which tip will you try first?
A Final Word from My Kitchen
I hope you love this simple roasted salmon. It is a recipe I make almost every week. *Fun fact: Salmon gets its pink color from eating tiny shrimp!* Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. This dish is all about enjoying good, simple food.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Did you try a different herb? Your stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Please tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Lemon Herb Baked Salmon
Description
Simple Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or grease with oil or nonstick spray and lay salmon on top skin side-down. Use your fingers to feel for any pin bones and remove them with kitchen tweezers if needed.
- Add enough olive oil to lightly cover surface of the salmon. Place lemon slices on top evenly spaced, reserving the ends of the lemon for later. Sprinkle with herbs and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper.
- Bake until salmon is cooked all the way through, is pale pink in color, and flakes easily with a fork. A 1 lb whole filet will take approximately 20-25 minutes, 4 oz individual filets will take about 12-15 minutes. For doneness, USDA guidelines are to cook to an internal temperature of 145°F, but the author prefers 135-140°F.
- Once out of the oven, squeeze lemon juice from the lemon ends over the baked salmon. Slice whole filet if needed, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate per serving based on a 4 oz portion of salmon.