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 11 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, flavorful dinner that feels a bit fancy but takes hardly any effort, I’ve got you covered with this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I love making when I want something tasty, healthy, and impressive without standing over the stove. The salmon turns out juicy and tender, wrapped in garlic, herbs, and a buttery hit of flavor that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple yet Flavorful: Garlic, herbs, and a touch of brown sugar create a perfectly balanced flavor that complements the natural richness of salmon.
Hands-Off Cooking: Baking the salmon in foil “boats” keeps it moist and makes cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort.
Customizable Doneness: You decide how tender or well-done you want your salmon by adjusting baking time with clear internal temperature guides.
Perfect for Entertaining: A whole fillet presentation makes a beautiful centerpiece, easy to slice and serve to your guests.

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs, healthy baked salmon, easy salmon dinner, flavorful salmon recipes, quick garlic herb salmon - 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

Every ingredient in this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe plays a role – the garlic brings punch, herbs add freshness, paprika deepens color and flavor, and the butter or olive oil ensures richness and moisture. Choosing a whole salmon fillet with skin-on really makes a difference in texture and cooking ease.

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs, healthy baked salmon, easy salmon dinner, flavorful salmon recipes, quick garlic herb salmon - 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): The skin keeps the fish moist during baking and prevents sticking while offering crispy skin for those who love it.
Butter or olive oil: Melts over the fish to keep it indulgently moist and add rich flavor.
Garlic (fresh minced): The star flavor here, giving that aromatic kick that works beautifully with salmon.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and herbs, helping with caramelization.
Italian seasoning: A blend that brings classic herb flavors, but you can swap for oregano or rosemary to personalize it.
Paprika: Gives smoky warmth plus gorgeous color.
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Additional layers of flavor and seasoning that round out the dish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love that this recipe is a perfect canvas for your preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for extra herbs, a hit of spice, or want to dial back the butter for a lighter touch, it handles those tweaks beautifully. It’s also great for those with dietary needs — just swap ingredients to suit you.

Variation: I often switch Italian seasoning for fresh dill during summer — it gives the salmon a fresh, bright flavor that feels super summery and vibrant.
Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and it still gets wonderfully moist with a lovely richness.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes elevates the dish for a bit of heat, which I adore if I’m serving it with something creamy on the side.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

First things first — preheat your oven to 375°F. Then grab a large piece of foil and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Lay your salmon fillet skin-side down right on the foil, pink side facing up. Fold up the edges of the foil around the salmon to create a little “boat” that will hold in all the delicious juices while baking. This trick keeps the salmon so moist and means cleanup is a snap — I never skip it!

Step 2: Mix and Brush on Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, melt your butter and stir in the minced garlic while it’s still hot — this lets the garlic release all its flavor and infuse the butter. I usually let it cool off for about 5 minutes so it’s easier to brush on without running everywhere. Brush half of this fragrant garlic butter over the salmon fillet, coating it evenly.

Step 3: Season it Up

Now combine the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this dry mix evenly all over the salmon. Then drizzle the rest of your garlic butter on top. This layering ensures every bite has that tasty garlic and herb flavor you’re craving.

Step 4: Bake & Rest

Pop the foil “boat” in your oven and bake for anywhere between 15 to 22 minutes depending on how done you like your salmon. Around 15 minutes will get you a tender, medium-rare center (about 125°F internal temp), while closer to 22 minutes will be firm and flaky at 145°F. Halfway through baking, if you want, baste the salmon with the juices that have pooled in the foil for extra flavor and moisture. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices settle — this little pause makes it amazingly juicy.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use a Food Thermometer: This changed my salmon game — I always know exactly when it’s perfectly cooked, no guesswork.
Let Butter Cool Slightly: Brushing warm butter is messy; letting it cool a bit thickens it for easier spreading.
Foil “Boat” Magic: Seal the foil edges well to trap steam and juices, preventing dry salmon.
Don’t Overbake: Pull the salmon out a bit early as it continues cooking while resting, ensuring a tender, flaky texture.

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 salmon recipes, quick garlic herb salmon - 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

I like to finish my salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill right before serving. That little hit of citrus brightens up all the garlicky, buttery goodness and fresh herbs give it that pretty pop of color that makes the dish feel special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are buttery roasted asparagus or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes I serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or mashed potatoes — all of which soak up the salmon juices wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For more festive occasions, I’ve served the salmon on a platter garnished with lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to impress guests without extra fuss, and it feels like a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be tricky, but it happens!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find the salmon stays moist and flavorful for up to 2 days — perfect for a quick lunch.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon isn’t my favorite because the texture can change a bit, but if you need to, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheating gently is key. I pop leftover salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil or use a microwave at 50% power in short bursts to avoid drying out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole fillet?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a whole side, you can use 4 individual fillets instead. Just adjust the baking time to about 10-15 minutes since smaller pieces cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work wonderfully here, and I use Italian seasoning blend for convenience. If you want to use fresh herbs, sprinkle them on after baking so they stay bright and flavorful.
How do I know when the salmon is done?

The best way is to use a food thermometer — 125°F to 130°F internal temperature gives you moist, flaky salmon, while 145°F is more well-done per USDA recommendations. The salmon will also flake easily with a fork when ready.
Is it okay to skip the brown sugar?

Yes, you can leave out the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet or more savory flavor. The rest of the seasonings still create a delicious, garlicky salmon.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s reliable, delicious, and feels special enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight. I love how little fuss is involved and how you get such a juicy, flavorful salmon with minimal effort. You’ve got to try it — I’m confident you’ll come back to it again and again, just like I have!

Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way