Effortless Oven-Baked Salmon: A Nutritious and Delicious Meal

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Oven-baked salmon is a game-changer when it comes to cooking this nutritious fish. Not only is it one of the healthiest ways to cook salmon, but it’s also incredibly easy and quick to prepare. One of the biggest advantages of oven-baked salmon is that it allows you to multitask while the meal cooks. Whether you want to catch up on your favorite TV show, relax, or prepare a delicious veggie side dish, the oven does all the work for you.

A Simple 3-Step Process

Cooking salmon in the oven requires just three easy steps, and it’s ready in a mere 15 minutes. Plus, cleanup is a breeze as long as you remember to line the baking dish or sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Gather Your Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• Olive oil
• Salmon fillets (6 to 8 ounces per person)
• Salt
• Pepper

The 3-Step Process

Follow these easy steps to prepare your oven-baked salmon:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan or baking dish with foil or parchment paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Season to Perfection: Drizzle the salmon with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, or add any other seasonings you like.
3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the salmon in the top half of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. A thicker fillet (or multiple pieces) will need more time. You’ll know it’s ready when the flesh flakes with a fork but is still translucent in the center. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the center of the fillet. When it hits 125 degrees, transfer the fillet to a plate and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

The Finishing Touches

Just before serving, squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top of the salmon. If you have them, sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs. And voilà! Your oven-baked salmon is ready to impress.

A Twist on Tradition

If you want to mix things up, try pan-searing your salmon on the stovetop next time. The result is a crispy crust on the outside and a tender interior.