If you’re looking for quick, healthy, and really tasty fish recipes, salmon is always a great choice. It cooks fast and pairs well with so many different ingredients. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic salmon recipes that I know you will love making at home.
These simple dishes are perfect for weeknights or when you want something special without a lot of fuss. I’ve broken everything down to make it super easy for you to follow along.
Jump to Recipe:
Delicious Lemon Herb Baked Salmon
This lemon herb baked salmon is a go-to for healthy dinners. It’s packed with fresh flavors and cooks up quickly in the oven.
The bright lemon and fragrant herbs make the salmon shine, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Baking Salmon
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemons for the best, brightest taste. It makes a big difference.
- Good Quality Salmon: Look for salmon fillets that are firm and have a bright color. This will give you the best texture.
- Mixed Herbs: Don’t be shy with fresh parsley, dill, or chives. They add incredible aroma and taste to your fish.
What You Need for Lemon Herb Salmon
- 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Baked Salmon
Step 1: Prep Oven & Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel; this helps them cook evenly and get a nice texture.
Step 2: Season the Fish
Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to get an even coating.
Step 3: Bake Until Done
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time might vary based on the thickness of your salmon. Serve immediately with extra lemon slices if you like.
📝 Final Note on Baked Salmon
Be careful not to overcook your salmon; it can become dry. For best results, pull it out of the oven just as it starts to flake.
Sweet Maple Glazed Salmon
This sweet maple glazed salmon is a fantastic blend of sweet and salty notes. It’s a quick and elegant dish that comes together with minimal effort.
The glaze gives the salmon a beautiful shine and a wonderful depth of flavor you’ll want to make again and again.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Glazed Salmon
- Pure Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best and most authentic sweetness.
- Soy Sauce Balance: The soy sauce brings a salty balance to the maple. Light soy sauce works well if you’re watching sodium.
- Salmon Skin On: Cooking with the skin on helps keep the salmon moist and can be removed easily after cooking, or crisped up for texture.
What You Need for Maple Glazed Salmon
- 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
⏱️ Time: 22 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Glazed Salmon
Step 1: Make the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything well until it’s fully combined. This is your delicious glaze.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If pan-searing, place salmon skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. If baking, place salmon on a lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish
Brush generously with the maple glaze during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for both methods, or pour the glaze over the salmon. Continue to cook until the salmon flakes easily and the glaze has thickened slightly. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note on Glazing
For an extra caramelized finish, you can broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.