Baked Old Bay Salmon: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Salmon is a fantastic choice for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. While there are countless ways to prepare salmon, this baked Old Bay salmon recipe is a true winner. The combination of flaky, tender salmon and the savory, slightly spicy kick of Old Bay seasoning is simply irresistible. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for novice cooks, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks quickly in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** Old Bay seasoning adds a unique and delicious flavor that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.
* **Healthy:** Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, and baking it preserves its healthy fats and nutrients.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or herbs to the baking sheet.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Baking the salmon on a single sheet pan makes cleanup a breeze.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Salmon Fillets:** Look for skin-on or skin-off salmon fillets, about 6-8 ounces each. Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon all work well. Fresh is always preferred, but frozen salmon, thawed completely, is a good option too. Make sure the salmon fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** This is the star of the show! Use your favorite brand. Be generous but not overly so. You want a nice coating, but not so much that it overpowers the salmon.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil helps keep the salmon moist and prevents it from sticking to the baking sheet. You could substitute with melted butter or another oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the salmon and complements the Old Bay seasoning. Lemon slices for garnish are also a nice touch.
* **Garlic Powder (optional):** A pinch of garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the dish. Fresh minced garlic can also be used, but garlic powder is a convenient alternative.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Remember that Old Bay already contains salt, so be mindful of how much extra salt you add. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers (any color), asparagus, or cherry tomatoes are all great additions to the baking sheet.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is essential for cooking the salmon and any accompanying vegetables.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil makes cleanup much easier.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the Old Bay seasoning and olive oil.
* **Whisk or Fork:** For combining the seasoning and oil.
* **Lemon Juicer (optional):** If you don’t have a lemon juicer, you can squeeze the lemon juice by hand.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For transferring the salmon to plates.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make perfectly baked Old Bay salmon:

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 12-15 minutes
**Total Time:** 17-20 minutes

**Yields:** 4 servings

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position.
2. **Prepare the Baking Sheet:** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. **Prepare the Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice sear. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Ensure the salmon fillets are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
4. **Make the Old Bay Mixture:** In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning (adjust to your taste), and a pinch of garlic powder (if using). Mix well to combine. The mixture should form a slightly thick paste.
5. **Season the Salmon:** Brush the Old Bay mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring they are fully coated. If you’re adding any vegetables, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
6. **Bake the Salmon:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. A good rule of thumb is to bake salmon for about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness.
7. **Check for Doneness:** The best way to check if the salmon is done is to gently flake it with a fork. If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s ready. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C).
8. **Add Lemon Juice:** Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. This brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with lemon slices, fresh parsley, or dill, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

## Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked salmon is dry and rubbery. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked through.
* **Use Fresh Salmon:** Fresh salmon will always taste better than frozen. If using frozen salmon, make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking.
* **Pat Dry:** Patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice sear.
* **Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet:** Give the salmon fillets enough space on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Old Bay seasoning can be salty, so adjust the amount to your liking. You can also add other spices, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, for extra flavor.
* **Consider a Marinade:** For even more flavor, marinate the salmon in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic for 30 minutes before baking.
* **Broil for Extra Color (optional):** For a slightly crispier top, broil the salmon for the last minute or two of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.

## Serving Suggestions

This baked Old Bay salmon is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
* **Quinoa or Rice:** These grains make a healthy and satisfying side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables is a refreshing complement to the salmon.
* **Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash:** For a comforting and flavorful side dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing with seafood.

## Variations

* **Spicy Salmon:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Old Bay mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Honey Garlic Salmon:** Mix honey and minced garlic into the Old Bay mixture for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Herb Crusted Salmon:** Top the salmon with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs (such as parsley, dill, and thyme), and Parmesan cheese before baking.
* **Foil Packet Salmon:** Wrap each salmon fillet in a foil packet with vegetables and herbs for a moist and flavorful meal.
* **Lemon Herb Salmon:** Substitute the Old Bay seasoning with a mixture of lemon zest, fresh herbs, and garlic.

## Make Ahead and Storage

**Make Ahead:**

You can prepare the Old Bay mixture and chop any vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours before baking.

**Storage:**

Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Calories:** Approximately 350-450
* **Protein:** 35-45 grams
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10 grams

## Recipe Card

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Enjoy this easy and flavorful baked Old Bay salmon recipe! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!