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!

plated Baked Salmon Fillets

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 for the marinade for Baked salmon filets

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.

salmon in a dish to make Baked Salmon Fillets

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.

  1. Marinate salmon for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours using the recipe below.
  2. Bake the salmon for about 10-12 minutes (this will vary based on thickness, check your salmon early to ensure it doesn’t overcook).
  3. 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!

Baked salmon filets in a dish topped with green onions

How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked

Salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be very slightly translucent in the center. Once the fish becomes flaky, remove it from the heat right away (overcooked fish can be dry).

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.

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

Did you enjoy this Baked Salmon? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

plated Baked Salmon Fillets
5 from 12 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Baked Salmon Fillets

Fresh, baked salmon filets are marinated in a ginger soy marinade & baked until tender & flaky.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinate Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
  • salt & 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 low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions 

  • 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.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

The shape and thickness of your salmon filet will determine how long it needs to cook. A thicker filet will need longer, while a thinner and flatter filet will need less time. 
Check your salmon early to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Salmon should be slightly translucent in the center and flake easily with a fork.
Nutrition information includes 25% of the marinade.
5 from 12 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 262 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 864mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

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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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Comments

  1. 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!!

  2. 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.5 stars

  3. 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.

    1. Apologies for the confusion. I use 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and it is added with the remaining marinade ingredients.