This easy garlic roasted salmon recipe is so simple, and yet is my favorite way to make salmon. It really lets the flavor of a quality salmon shine instead of overpowering it with seasonings and glazes.
That being said, you can mix it up by stirring in additional toppings. Try ¼ tsp red pepper flake for a spicy version. Try 1 tsp fresh minced rosemary for an herbed version. Mix in 1 tsp honey for a sweetened version.
Get a high quality wild-caught salmon for best results. Farm raised salmon will work as well, however I find that some brands have unnecessary added coloring. If you like farm-raised salmon and find it more budget friendly, just check the label to be certain before you buy.
To make this recipe even faster and easier, use a jar or tube of minced garlic. I usually don’t measure the olive oil, just pour in enough so the garlic is covered!
How long should I cook the garlic roasted salmon?
Exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets. According to the kitchn, you want 4-6 minutes of cooking time per half inch of fish. My fillets were somewhere between 1 and 1 ½ inches, and I found 10 minutes to be plenty. Remember that the fillets will continue to cook as they sit before serving, so I like to err on the side of caution and pull them on the short end of the time range. If your sheet pan is crowded with more fillets or one large salmon slab, it will take longer, FYI.
What to serve with this easy garlic roasted salmon:
- Mashed potatoes with this super fast and simple gravy
- Fire roasted corn and snap pea salad
- Caper dill potato salad with green beans
- Feta and herb coleslaw
- Old fashioned scalloped potatoes
- Lemony Brussels sprouts and cranberry slaw
- Tomato artichoke and mushroom rice bake
- 2 6-oz fillets salmon, bones removed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2-3 tsp)
- ¼ tsp each: black pepper and salt
- 1-2 tsp olive oil
- Preheat the oven to 425 F.
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place skin side down on a baking sheet (I lined mine with parchment for easy clean up).
- Combine the garlic, black pepper, and salt. Drizzle with enough olive oil to just cover. Stir to combine.
- Spread the garlic mixture over the top of the salmon. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
