Name: Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet skin-on preferred; 3 tablespoons melted butter OR olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; Ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a salmon recipe that’s both easy and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together so simply you’ll want to make it on a busy weeknight too. From the fragrant garlic butter to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite, this recipe creates salmon that’s tender, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to salmon fix.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity & Flavor: Combining garlic, herbs, and butter creates an irresistible aroma and taste with minimal effort.
Perfect Texture Control: Baking at 375°F with the foil “boat” traps moisture for tender, juicy salmon every time.
Flexible To Your Preference: You can easily adjust herbs or cooking times to suit your taste and desired doneness.
Easy Cleanup: Cooking on foil keeps your baking sheet clean, so you can focus on enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing pans.

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs, healthy baked salmon, easy salmon dinner, flavorful seafood recipes, quick salmon meals - A large piece of cooked salmon lies on crinkled aluminum foil in a baking pan, with a golden-brown seasoned crust on top sprinkled with green herbs. The salmon is flaked in the lower right area, showing moist, soft, pink layers inside with some parts breaking apart. A silver fork rests next to the flaked salmon on the right side. The baking pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward, but they play off one another wonderfully to make your salmon sing. The key is fresh garlic melted gently into butter, plus a blend of Italian seasoning and paprika that adds warmth and herbal freshness. I always choose skin-on salmon because it holds everything together and keeps the fish moist during baking.

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs, healthy baked salmon, easy salmon dinner, flavorful seafood recipes, quick salmon meals - Flat lay of a large whole salmon fillet with skin on, a small white bowl of melted butter, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl with a mix of Italian seasoning, ground paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon Fillet: Skin-on is best—it locks in moisture and flavor while baking evenly.
Melted Butter or Olive Oil: Butter adds richness and helps the herbs and garlic cling deliciously to the fish, but olive oil works if you want a lighter option.
Fresh Garlic: Fresh is my favorite for that punchy aroma; if you don’t have any, a little garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory herbs beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano and thyme that gives this dish its comforting Mediterranean vibe.
Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and lovely color.
Garlic Powder: Helps boost the garlic flavor without overpowering.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural salmon flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is, so feel free to mix it up based on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. Cooking is all about making a recipe your own, right?

Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap the Italian seasoning for fresh dill or rosemary, which gives the salmon a whole new personality.
Spicy Kick: If I’m craving something a bit bolder, I add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the spice blend.
Glazed Finish: Occasionally, I brush the salmon with a little honey or maple syrup mixed with the garlic butter before baking for a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
Cooking Time: Prefer your salmon more or less done? Adjust the baking time—from 15 minutes for tender, medium-rare to 22 minutes for fully cooked.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a large rimmed baking sheet and lay down a big piece of aluminum foil—enough to wrap around the salmon with some edges to fold up. Place your skin-on salmon fillet skin side down, pink flesh side up, right in the center. Then gently fold the foil edges around to make a little foil “boat” that will keep all those tasty juices from escaping during baking. This trick is a game changer for moist salmon and super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make Your Garlic Butter and Season the Fish

While the oven warms up, melt your butter slowly and stir in freshly minced garlic. I like to let it cool a bit—you don’t want it piping hot or it’ll run right off the fish. Spread half of this buttery garlic mixture over the salmon with a brush or spoon. Then, in a small bowl, mix your brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this herb and spice blend evenly over the salmon, then drizzle the rest of the garlic butter on top. It’s like layering flavor magic.

Step 3: Bake and Baste for Juiciness

Pop your foil “boat” onto the baking sheet and into the oven. Bake for 15 to 22 minutes depending on how you prefer your salmon’s doneness (I’ll share more on temperatures soon). If you’re feeling fancy, halfway through baking, open the foil just a smidge and spoon some of the cooking juices back over the fish—this step keeps it extra moist and flavorful. When it’s ready, pull the salmon out and let it rest in the foil for about 5 minutes; this lets the juices redistribute so each bite is tender and juicy.

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Use a Food Thermometer: I swear by a simple instant-read thermometer to nail your preferred salmon doneness without guesswork.
Cool Your Garlic Butter Slightly: Letting the garlic butter sit for 5 minutes after melting thickens it just enough to brush evenly without sliding off.
Foil “Boat” Is Key: Wrapping the salmon in foil traps steam and flavors, and yes, it saves you scrubbing the baking sheet afterward.
Don’t Overbake: Pull the salmon a little early if you like it medium rare; it’ll keep cooking in the residual heat when you let it rest.

How to Serve Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs, healthy baked salmon, easy salmon dinner, flavorful seafood recipes, quick salmon meals - The image shows a close-up of cooked salmon with a crispy, browned spice crust on top. The salmon flakes are visible, showing soft, pink layers underneath the browned surface with some green herb bits scattered on top. The fish is placed on a piece of shiny foil inside a metal baking tray. To the right side, a fork is partially stuck into the salmon, lifting some flakes. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, and a woman's hand is holding the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this salmon, I love topping it with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before eating—it brightens up the rich garlic butter beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness that completes the dish. If I’m feeling indulgent, a few thin slices of avocado on the side elevate the creaminess even more.

Side Dishes

My absolute favorite sides with this oven baked salmon are roasted asparagus or green beans for a crisp, vibrant contrast. Sometimes I whip up a quick quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers and feta or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that garlic butter goodness. Oh, and if you want to keep it light, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the salmon on a bed of lemon-herb risotto or alongside roasted baby potatoes and edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Serving this salmon family-style on a large platter garnished with lemon wheels and sprigs of fresh herbs always impresses guests but still feels warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep it moist, I like to drizzle a little extra olive oil over the salmon before sealing the container. This recipe holds up really well, and leftovers are great for quick lunches or salads.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked salmon, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then into a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Just be aware it might be a little less flaky than fresh-baked but still delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the gentlest way is to warm it slowly in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil. This method helps avoid drying it out. Microwaves can make the fish rubbery, so I save that for last-minute reheats.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole side for the Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use individual salmon fillets instead of a whole side. Just reduce the baking time to about 10-15 minutes since fillets cook faster. The seasoning and garlic butter method works just as well and yields the same fantastic flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic for the recipe?

No worries if fresh garlic isn’t on hand—you can substitute it with about 1 extra teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the melted butter. While fresh garlic delivers the best aroma, garlic powder will still give you that savory garlic flavor the recipe depends on.
How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

I highly recommend using a food thermometer. For the most tender, flaky salmon, pull it at about 125°F and let it rest until it reaches 130°F. Of course, if you prefer it more well-done, you can cook it to 145°F as the USDA suggests. Just be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
Can I skip using aluminum foil when baking the salmon?

You can bake the salmon without foil, but I don’t recommend it. The foil “boat” traps moisture and keeps flavors locked in, plus makes cleanup so much easier. Without it, your salmon may dry out a bit and you’ll have some extra scrubbing to do on your baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe feels like one of those comforting classics you can count on any time. I love how it turns simple ingredients into something so satisfying and elegant without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a winner that always impresses. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite salmon recipe, just like I did!

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste