Why you’ll love this Easy Baked Salmon Recipe
It’s not really a recipe, rather a great method for cooking salmon. A little different than usual baked salmon, but in a good way…
- Small salmon cubes cook faster than a whole filet.
- Short on ingredients, but with maximum flavor!
- Completely customizable – easy to add different flavors.
- Delicious and nutritious dinner in less than 20 minutes!
Easy Baked Salmon Ingredients
- Salmon – I highly recommend sockeye salmon, as it’s the leanest of all salmon. (Read more about different salmon varieties.) Also, opt for skinless salmon, if you can.
- Mayo – You can’t go wrong with Hellman’s mayo. However, I prefer slightly more acidic Japanese mayo, called KewPie Mayonnaise.
Salmon Baked in Oven Flavor Variations
This basic 2-ingredient version is just a starting point. Feel free to add more seasonings to change things up every now and again! Here’re some of my favorite additions:
- Soy sauce (about a teaspoon or so)
- Sesame oil and sesame seeds
- Hot sauce!!!
- Minced garlic and/or garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
And if you have other flavor ideas, do share in the comments!
How to bake Salmon in the Oven
It’s super easy to prep and cook this salmon dish. The most important thing is to not overcook the salmon.
- Using a sharp knife, remove the skin. Next time, ask your butcher to do this for you.
- Cut the filet into 1-inch cubes. Try to cut into uniform size for even cooking.
- Then mix the salmon chunks with mayo, salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 15 minutes at 375°F oven, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
How to Air Fry Salmon with Mayo
You can also cook the salmon in an air-fryer, which takes about 5-7 minutes at 375°F.
Time-Saving Tips:
- Buy skinless salmon
- Cook the salmon in an air-fryer, which takes half the time in an oven!
Storing Instruction:
I don’t think you’ll ever need to worry about leftovers, but just in case, here’s how to store leftover salmon.
- Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, gently heat it in a skillet over medium low heat. Or heat it in an air-fryer for 60-90 seconds.
- You can also use leftovers for leftover salmon fried rice.
It’s important to heat leftover salmon gently in order to prevent overcooking. Remember, overcooked salmon is dry and chalky!
Baked Salmon with Mayo FAQ
You can bake salmon low and slow at 300°F, or you can take a faster route and bake the salmon at 375°F. Both methods have their pro’s and con’s. But when done right, both can yield a delicious result nonetheless.
The cooking time depends on the size of the salmon. It usually takes 20-25 minutes for a whole side of salmon filet at 375°F. And it takes about 15 minutes for small salmon chunks to cook perfectly in a 375°F oven.
In my experience, there’s no need to cover salmon for baking, unless you want to steam salmon with aromatics.
I don’t recommend baking frozen salmon because it won’t bake evenly. By the time the salmon is cooked perfectly inside, the outside will be overcooked and become chalky.
Salmon Recipe Collection
If you love salmon, you don’t wanna miss out on my other quick and easy salmon dinner recipes!
Baked Salmon
More Favorites from Busy Cooks
Easy Salmon Baked in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless salmon filet Note 1
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise Note 2
- Salt and pepper about 1/2 teaspoon of each
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper, or silicone mat.
- Cut the salmon into about 2-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, combine salmon cubes and mayonnaise.
- Spread the salmon on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve with cooked rice, steamed vegetables and fresh scallions, if desired.
Notes
– Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full nutrition disclosure.
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Reader's Reviews
Rosann says
Everything about this recipe is perfect! It is quick and easy to make. The basic ingredients are in most kitchens. It takes no time at all in an air fryer. And… it’s delicious!
The ingredients for a one (1) pound salmon filet is enough for a meal for two the first night and Eggs Benedict with salmon for a meal the next morning breakfast or evening meal. Hollandaise sauce is not something I make from scratch, the package mix works for me.
I highly recommend this to be one of your saved recipes. ENJOY!
Shinee says
Yay, so happy you tried and loved this recipe, Rosann! I love your idea of eggs benedict with salmon! I appreciate your feedback and recommendations for leftovers!!