2tablespoonsfresh lemon juiceabout the juice from half a lemon
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This temperature is ideal for cooking the salmon evenly without drying it out.
Take a cookie sheet and line it meticulously with aluminum foil. This not only helps in easy cleanup but also prevents the salmon from sticking to the sheet.
Carefully unpack the salmon fillet. Under cold running water, gently rinse the fillet to clean off any residual scales or debris. After rinsing, use paper towels to pat the salmon dry thoroughly. This step is crucial for helping the butter and seasonings adhere to the salmon.
Place the salmon fillet onto the lined cookie sheet, skin-side down. This positioning ensures even cooking and easy serving.
With a pastry brush, tenderly brush the salmon with cooled, melted butter. Ensure an even coating, as this will infuse moisture and richness into the fillet during baking.
In a small bowl, blend together the paprika, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This combination will create a flavorful crust on the salmon.
Sprinkle the mixed seasonings generously over the buttered salmon. Use your fingers to gently press the seasoning onto the fillet, ensuring it sticks well and covers the surface evenly.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly over the seasoned salmon.
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 18 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). The salmon should be flaky yet moist.
Once baked to perfection, remove the salmon from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. Serve the delicious, aromatic salmon and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Notes
I used a whole filet I got from Sam’s Club. You can definitely use smaller sizes or even frozen ones. Just make sure they are fully thawed before.
Don’t overthink this recipe. The flavor of the seasoning with the flakiness of the salmon is perfect.
Side dish: Serve with asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Use leftovers: Cut into pieces and add to a salad, or pasta, or make a salmon dip.
Storage: After the salmon is completely cooled down, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.