I would argue that some of the best food I’ve ever eaten has less than 4 ingredients in it. This salmon 100% falls in that category. Oven salmon is easy to make, creates a minimal amount of dirty dishes, and just melts in your mouth (can I get an amen). You get the perfect amount of zing from the lemon, and the herby dill just brings this dish to happy land. Just in case that wasn’t enough to convince you this is the best dish ever, it’s ready in under 30 minutes… Yes you read that right, less than 30 minutes. Is your mind blown yet? 

Jump to Recipe

When it comes to cooking a fish I opt for the less is more approach. Fish is pretty delicate and anything too heavy or strong can weigh it down. Fish done right is amazing. Fish done wrong might as well be cat food. The problem people usually have with fish is overcooking. Overcooked fish is rubbery, sticky, and in my opinion, has a fishier taste. Beautifully cooked fish melts in your mouth and has a light, fresh flavor. DO NOT RUIN YOUR SALMON BY OVERCOOKING IT. I have cooked salmon in the oven time and time again. Here is my FOOLPROOF recipe for the most delicious fish you will ever eat. 

Some Notes:

Salmon:

ONLY get enough salmon to feed everyone. While you can reheat salmon it’s not recommended… Why would you let your microwave wreak havoc on your beautiful cut of fish? Salmon is best when it is fresh. I usually get skin on, but whatever floats your boat when it comes to picking your cut of salmon. TIP: The skin comes off very easy after being cooked. I prefer this method to cutting it off myself. If you do somehow end up with leftover salmon, it can be flaked and put on a salad (seriously so good).

Dill:

While I recommend using fresh dill, you can use dried if fresh is not available.

How to make oven salmon

Measurements for this salmon are a little bit difficult to quantify so I have taken pictures of each stage so you can see what to do. Ready?

Step 1:

Prep your salmon. Run your fingers down the center of the cut and feel for any leftover bones (definitely don’t want to eat those)

Step 2:

Dry the fish. I just pat it down with a paper towel. This helps get rid of some of the fishiness.

Step 3:

Lemon juice. For this size of salmon I used half a lemon squeezed over top. If you use a bigger cut you will want to use the whole lemon.

Step 4:

Salt. FISH IS DELICATE. While you do need to salt it, don’t go crazy.

Step 5:

Dill. Give it a good coating of dill like so:

Step 6:

Cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes depending on how firm you like your salmon. NOTE: IF you are using a larger cut you may need to cook for closer to 20 min.

Step 7:

Optional, but I squeeze more lemon on top.

Was that simple enough? Seriously delicious salmon in under 30 min.