As a mom of 2 toddlers, I’m always look for quick and easy salmon recipes everyone will love! And this easy baked salmon delivers! My whole family loved this recipe and the leftover salmon was delicious on a salad the next day. If you’ve been looking for a flavorful new was to cook salmon, preheat the oven and try this recipe!

Let’s cook salmon… the quick and easy way!

My family loves seafood, which honestly, feels like a win in itself. My kids will happily eat cod fish, scallops, and beg for lobster! But more often than not, they want salmon, so I cook salmon A LOT. And my favorite quick and easy way to cook salmon is in the oven.

The thing that makes this baked salmon recipe stand apart from every other baked salmon recipe? The HONEY THYME LEMON GARLIC SAUCE. I could easily eat it by the spoonful, but instead, I’m civilized and slather my salmon with it. Delicious with rice, mashed potatoes, or asparagus.

Things You Need to Cook Salmon

• Salmon: You’ll need 2 pounds of salmon for this recipe. You can remove the salmon skin, or bake it with the salmon skin on. Once you bake the salmon, the salmon skin will slide off easily.
• Honey: I love the flavor this ingredient adds! But many readers have reported having great results subbing honey with agave or maple syrup.
• Lemon Zest: In a pinch, sub lemon with orange or even lime!
• Garlic: Nothing beats fresh garlic… especially on baked salmon. I don’t suggest skipping or subbing with garlic powder.
• Thyme: Fresh works best, but some readers have reported good results using dried thyme (use less than called for).
• Salt and Pepper: These powerhouse ingredients add flavor. Add more or use less, according to your taste preferences.
• Lemon Juice: Adds even more fresh citrusy flavor to the cooked salmon.

Unlike a lot of baked salmon recipes, this recipe uses no extra fat. Meaning no added olive oil or melted butter.

Is Sockeye Salmon Best for Baked Salmon?

No matter what variety of salmon you use, try to get a center piece. So that it’s even thick (it’s hard to even cook if the thickest part is in major contrast with the thinnest part).

• Sockeye salmon is affordable, flavorful, and has a nice firm texture.
• I prefer king salmon, but it’s pricer. King salmon has richer flavor and tastes more buttery.
• You can certainly use almost any variety of salmon with this recipe. I’ve even used Arctic char and steelhead trout with great results!

All salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart and brain health!

How to Cook Salmon (Bake the Salmon)

• Preheat the oven 30 minutes before you plan to cook the salmon
• Make the marinade and set aside
• Glaze the filets with the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until they flake easily with a fork. Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 120°F–130°F.

Note: The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety. That being said, this often leads to dry salmon.

Full step by step recipe in the recipe box below!

What to Serve with Baked Salmon?

• Orzo Salad (A summertime fave – my family loved this recipe)
• Brussels Sprouts
• Crispy Garlic Potato Wedges
• Quinoa Salad

Fresh, fast, and absolutely fabulous, I really hope you cook this salmon recipe soon!!!

More Salmon Recipes:

• Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Baked Salmon
• Baked Lemon and Herb Salmon with Greek Salad Salsa
• 20 Minute Tabasco and Honey Roasted Salmon

If you try this lemon and garlic baked salmon recipe, let me know! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bakerbynature on instagram! Seeing your kitchen creations makes my day. ♥

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Baked Salmon

Ashley Manila

Flavorful lemon, garlic, and thyme baked salmon ready in just 20 minutes!

5 from 4 votes

PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

 

• 2 pounds salmon, cut into 4 fillets
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (more to taste, if desired)
• 3 cloves garlic, grated or very finely minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
• Place the salmon fillets in a large bowl, set aside. In a separate bowl whisk together the honey, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to combine. Stir in the lemon juice.
• Pour this sauce over the salmon fillets, using your hands (or a spoon) to evenly and generously coat them. Remove fillets from marinade and place on prepared baking sheet. Use a small spoon to top each fillet with one teaspoon of remaining marinade. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked to your liking. Remove salmon from the oven and serve at once, with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

To make this a well rounded meal try adding a side of rice, broccoli, salad, or potatoes. Salmon will keep, stored in the fridge, for 2 days.

Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature