Salmon is one of the most popular fish for home cooks It’s tasty, good for you, and bakes up beautifully in the oven But knowing exactly how long to cook salmon so it turns out moist, flaky and delicious can be tricky.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bake salmon to perfection at 180°C, including:
- Benefits of baking vs other cooking methods
- Factors that affect baking time
- Step-by-step instructions
- Pro tips for maximizing flavor
- Serving suggestions
Plus plenty of details to help you nail perfectly cooked salmon every time!
Why Bake Salmon in the Oven?
Baking salmon in the oven is one of the easiest most foolproof ways to prepare this healthy omega-3-rich fish.
Here are some reasons why baking salmon in the oven is better than other ways to cook it:
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Convenient – Simply place the salmon in the oven and let it bake unattended until done.
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Adds flavor – The dry heat helps create a delicious, caramelized exterior.
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Cooks evenly – No need to flip halfway through. The heat surrounds the fish entirely.
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Helps fish stay moist – Unlike grilling or pan-searing, baking prevents overcooking on the outside before the inside cooks through.
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Easy cleanup – Just pop the baking sheet in the dishwasher after dinner.
So if you’re looking for a quick, easy and delicious way to cook salmon, baking it in the oven is hard to beat!
What Determines How Long to Bake Salmon?
Several factors affect how long it takes to bake salmon in the oven, including:
1. Thickness
The thicker the fish, the longer it takes to cook through to the center. For example:
- Fillets less than 1 inch thick – 10 to 15 minutes
- 1-inch thick fillets – 15 to 20 minutes
- 1.5-inch thick steaks – 25 to 30 minutes
2. Weight
Larger fillets and steaks will need a bit more time than smaller pieces. Figure around 10 minutes per 1/2 pound.
3. Temperature
The hotter the oven, the less time needed. At 180°C expect 15-20 minutes for average size fillets.
4. Added Toppings
Things like spices, herbs and citrus slices won’t affect cook time. But thicker sauces and crusts will prolong baking.
5. Doneness Preference
Cooking salmon just until opaque in the center results in the most tender, moist texture. Going longer makes it flakier but also a bit drier.
Now let’s look at exactly how to nail the bake time for perfect salmon every time.
How to Bake Salmon at 180°C
Follow these simple steps for baking salmon in the oven at 180°C/350°F to get tender, flaky fillets bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets or steaks, skin on or off
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs, spices or citrus slices (optional)
Instructions:
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Heat oven to 180°C/350°F. While the oven preheats, prep the salmon.
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Pat salmon dry and brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and dryness.
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Season with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs. Citrus slices also add nice flavor.
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Place salmon skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Salmon bakes more evenly cooked skin-side down.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Check for doneness at 15 minutes. Look for opaque flesh and flakes that separate easily with a fork.
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Broil 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top if desired. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The salmon will continue to cook a bit more off heat.
And that’s it! In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, beautifully caramelized oven-baked salmon.
Next, let’s go over some pro tips for taking your baked salmon from great to outstanding.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Flavor
Salmon gets a tasty boost from bold seasonings and flavorful crusts. Here are some easy ways to amp up the flavor:
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Marinate in a mix of olive oil, citrus, herbs and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
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Stuff slashes in the flesh with garlic, rosemary and lemon.
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Coat with coarse salt and pepper, chili powder, curry or Cajun seasoning before baking.
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Top with pesto, tapenade or harissa paste for exotic flavor.
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Brush with honey, maple or teriyaki glaze during last 5 minutes of baking.
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Press on crushed pistachios, pecans or almonds for crunch.
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Add fresh herbs, citrus zest or sliced garlic to the buttery baking sauce.
With so many options for easy add-ins, you’ll never get bored baking salmon!
What to Serve with Oven-Baked Salmon
A baked salmon dinner needs some tasty accompaniments. Here are some fantastic sides to complement the fish:
- Rice pilaf or couscous
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Fresh green salad
- Sauteed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts or zucchini
- Quinoa or whole grain salad
For an easy sheet pan meal, roast the salmon alongside potatoes, carrots, cauliflower or other veggies tossed in oil and seasoning.
A simple green salad or crunchy slaw completes the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover baked salmon keeps well for 2 to 3 days refrigerated. Here are some storage tips:
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Let cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.
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Flake into chunks or keep fillets whole.
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Pour any pan juices over the fish to keep it moist.
To reheat, bake at 180°C until warmed through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Or microwave in 30 second bursts just until heated through.
Salmon also makes great salmon salad, tacos or salmon cakes when flaked and combined with veggies, herbs and spices.
With its stellar nutritional profile and delicious flavor, salmon deserves a regular spot in your dinner lineup. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to bake salmon like a pro and enjoy tender, flaky fillets anytime.
Here’s a quick summary of how long to bake salmon at 180°C:
- Fillets 1 inch or less – 10 to 15 minutes
- 1-inch thick pieces – 15 to 20 minutes
- Steaks 1.5 inches thick – 25 to 30 minutes
Check for doneness at the lower end of the time range and adjust as needed.
Serve your perfectly baked salmon with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
How To Make Oven-Baked Salmon
• The salmon: My advice is to get the highest quality that you can afford—feel free to buy fresh or frozen! I encourage you to refer to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch for best practices when it comes to buying salmon. If you think people will be extra hungry, aim to buy about 1/2 pound per person. That being said, keep in mind that how big the meat is will affect the baking time. For a 3-pound fillet, itll take around 25 minutes. • The lemons: Salmon and lemons go together like PB&J, whether the juice is squeezed over or you bake the lemons right on the sheet tray as I do here. The presentation is gorgeous, and roasting in the oven gives the flavors a chance to marry. That being said, you can line the sheet pan with foil, then parchment, to avoid any interaction with the lemon and foil. If you dont have parchment paper, you can skip this step (like we did in the video above), but I definitely recommend it. • The garlic: Itll be next to impossible for me not to include a little bit of garlic in any recipe I make, and this is no exception. But you can also add some chopped shallots or scallions instead, or even use garlic powder if youre in a pinch. • The butter: Dont feel like taking the few seconds to melt the butter in the microwave (or you dont have enough?)? Extra-virgin olive oil is an easy swap. •The honey: Using honey helps thicken the sauce and of course provides a touch of sweetness. If youre out of honey, add a few tablespoons of light brown sugar.• The herbs: I love the balance of fresh and dried herbs in this recipe, but you can use whatever youve got on hand. Rosemary would complement the salmon just as much as the thyme, while you could also use fresh oregano instead of dried—just be sure to taste as you go, since fresh oregano has a shaper, more peppery flavor than dried. Be sure not to skip the parsley topping, which gives the dish a much needed pop of bright color.
First things first: the lemons. Try to get the slices as thin and uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly. As I said before, it’s important to line the pan with foil and then parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, like in the video above, you can skip this step, but I still think you should do it. Then, layer the lemons on the parchment paper.
The next step is to simply arrange the salmon on top of those beautiful lemon slices.
The sauce is what puts this recipe over the top. Its a simple mixture of chopped up garlic, melted butter, honey, and a touch of herbs.
Place the salmon on top of the sauce. Next, push the parchment and foil as close together as you can to keep the juices from spreading. This will make cleanup as easy as possible.
The ideal temperature to bake salmon is at 350°. At that temperature, a large piece of salmon should take about 25 minutes to bake in the oven. If you use a fork to test the thickest part, it should come apart easily when it’s done. But I suggest using a thermometer to be sure—145° is the right temperature.
BAKED SALMON | easy, no-fail recipe with lemon garlic butter
FAQ
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
How long should I leave salmon in the oven?
How long does salmon take to cook at 200?
Can you cook salmon at 150 degrees?
How long do you cook salmon fillets in the oven?
Place the salmon skin-side down in a roasting pan. Drizzle a small amount of oil over each salmon fillet. Use your fingers or a pastry brush to evenly coat the surface. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bake the Salmon. Transfer to the oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at the thickest part of the fillet.
How long to cook salmon at 425?
At an oven temperature of 400°F, 1-inch thick salmon portions will take 12 to 14 minutes, while a whole fillet will take 15 to 20 minutes. Further, two-inch salmon portions will take 18 to 20 minutes, while a whole fillet will take 20 to 25 minutes. Always check doneness using an instant-read thermometer.
How long does salmon take to cook?
Bake the Salmon. Transfer to the oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at the thickest part of the fillet. For example, a 1-inch fillet at 400°F typically takes 12-15 minutes. (see notes*) The best way to tell if your salmon is done is the flake test!
How to cook salmon in the oven?
Slice the lemon and place the slice on the salmon. Place the baking pan in the oven and leave the salmon to bake for 10 -12 minutes. When you cut the meaty center, you will know when the salmon is done through your meat thermometer or when it turns flaky.