Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter & Brown Sugar Spice

There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a beautifully baked salmon fillet out of the oven. The aroma of garlic butter, the gentle sweetness of brown sugar, and the warm spices filling the kitchen instantly make any meal feel special. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight meal after a long day, or an elegant main dish for guests, this Oven Baked Salmon fits the moment perfectly.

This recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon brushed with rich garlic butter and finished with a subtle brown sugar spice rub that caramelizes slightly as it bakes. The result is a flavorful, juicy, and impressive dish that looks fancy—but is incredibly easy to make.

If you’re looking for an easy oven baked salmon, a homemade salmon dinner, or a reliable go-to salmon recipe that always turns out delicious, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes
• Juicy, flaky texture with a sweet-savory garlic butter glaze
• Family-friendly and elegant enough for guests
• Made with simple pantry spices
• Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep

Ingredients

• Whole salmon fillet (about 2 pounds, skin-on preferred) – The star of the dish; baking it whole helps keep it juicy and harder to overcook.
• Melted butter or olive oil – Adds richness, moisture, and helps the seasoning stick.
• Fresh garlic (minced) – Brings bold, aromatic flavor to the butter glaze.
• Brown sugar – Creates gentle sweetness and encourages light caramelization.
• Italian seasoning – Adds herbal depth and balance.
• Ground paprika – Provides warm color and mild smoky flavor.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the savory profile.
• Salt – Brings out all the natural flavors.
• Ground black pepper – Adds subtle heat and complexity.

How to Make Oven Baked Salmon

Prep the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a rimmed baking sheet with a large piece of foil. Place the salmon on top, skin-side down, and gently crimp the foil around it to form a shallow “boat.” This keeps the garlic butter from escaping and makes cleanup much easier.

Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. For best flavor, stir the garlic into warm (not piping hot) butter and let it sit for a few minutes so it slightly thickens.

Brush half of the garlic butter evenly over the salmon.

Season the Salmon

In another bowl, mix together:

• Brown sugar
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the salmon. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top.

Tip: Don’t pile the seasoning in one spot—an even coating ensures balanced flavor in every bite.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–22 minutes, depending on thickness and how done you like your salmon.

• Around 15 minutes: very tender and juicy
• Around 20 minutes: flaky and moist
• Around 22 minutes: fully cooked and firm

If you like, baste the salmon with pan juices halfway through baking.

Once done, remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use a whole salmon fillet if possible—it stays juicier and is more forgiving than small cuts.
• Let the garlic butter cool slightly before brushing to prevent the garlic from scorching.
• For the best texture, avoid overbaking. Salmon continues cooking as it rests.
• A food thermometer is very helpful: many cooks prefer salmon between 125–130°F for maximum succulence, while 145°F is the standard fully cooked guideline.
• If using individual fillets, reduce baking time to 10–15 minutes.

Equipment Needed

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil (or parchment + baking dish)
• Small mixing bowls
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Food thermometer (optional but highly recommended)

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Oven Baked Salmon: Add ½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix.
• Herb Lemon Salmon: Skip the brown sugar and finish the salmon with lemon zest and fresh herbs.
• Honey Garlic Salmon: Replace brown sugar with honey and brush extra over the salmon halfway through baking.
• Low-Carb Version: Omit the brown sugar and increase paprika, garlic, and herbs for a savory crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your oven baked salmon with:

• Fluffy rice, herbed quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus
• A crisp green salad with lemon dressing
• Warm flatbread or dinner rolls

Finish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or a light drizzle of pan juices for a beautiful presentation.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole side?
Yes. You can use 4–6 fillets. Bake for about 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I reheat baked salmon?
Yes. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a covered pan on low heat to avoid drying it out.

Is this recipe sweet?
It has a mild sweetness from the brown sugar, balanced by garlic and spices—not overly sweet.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter but still flavorful result.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can substitute oregano, rosemary, thyme, or a mix of dried herbs.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Salmon is one of those reliable, feel-good recipes that belongs in every home cook’s collection. It’s simple enough for busy nights, yet flavorful and beautiful enough for special dinners. With its tender flakes, aromatic garlic butter, and lightly caramelized spice topping, every bite feels comforting and satisfying.

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