Q1: What can I use instead of lemon on salmon?

Literally nothing. Or... a bunch of things. The point is, you don’t need lemon here — and that’s kind of the whole deal with this recipe for salmon. But if you’re craving that zip, a splash of white vinegar or a spoonful of Dijon mustard stirred into melted butter does the trick. I’ve even used soy sauce when I was out of everything. This dish is flexible — that’s what I love about it.

Q2: Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?

Honestly, I just go with 375°F every single time — it’s my comfort zone. Not too hot, not too slow. Just right. At 350 it takes forever, and at 400 you risk turning it into fish jerky if you blink. With 375, you get juicy salmon, a little golden edge, and soft, tender flakes — which is kind of the dream, right

Q3: How do you cook salmon in the oven?

Here’s what I do: toss down some foil, place the salmon skin-side down, slather on butter and garlic, give it a good shake of salt and pepper, then straight into the oven it goes. Nothing fancy, and it always works. It usually takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, and you’re done. This is hands-down my favorite way to prepare salmon because it’s basically impossible to mess up.

Q4: What is the best cooking method for salmon?

I’ve tried it every which way — grilled it, pan-fried it, air-fried it… I even steamed it once when I was feeling oddly ambitious (wouldn’t recommend it, honestly). But baking? Always the winner. It’s forgiving, low-stress, and lets you walk away while it cooks. If you use foil around salmon, there’s almost zero cleanup. That makes this my personal pick for best baked salmon, especially on a busy weeknight.

Q5: How does Gordon Ramsay bake salmon?

He sears it on the stove first, then finishes it in the oven. Looks great on camera. But honestly? On a Tuesday night, I’d rather not deal with hot pans or extra dishes. I just want to cook the salmon, eat it, and maybe have a little quiet before the dishes stare me down. This method skips the fuss and still gives you perfect salmon that tastes like you tried harder than you did.

Q6: What seasoning should I put on salmon?

Keep it simple. You really don’t need much to make it shine. I usually go with a little garlic , salt and pepper, and sometimes dill or lemon pepper if I’ve got it on hand. That’s it. The fish does most of the work here. And if you’ve got good butter and even halfway decent salmon? You’re golden.

Easy Baked Salmon Recipe No Lemon

Description

A cozy, flavorful baked salmon recipe without lemon, perfect for those with citrus sensitivities or just craving a buttery, garlic-rich dinner. This no-lemon salmon dish is simple, tender, and full of savory goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (2-pound) salmon fillet, skin-on
2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter
2 cloves minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
Optional herbs: dried dill, rosemary, or parsley
Pinch of paprika
Optional: Maple syrup or honey for a sweet twist

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil.
Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix with the minced garlic (or garlic powder).
Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional herbs or paprika.
Bake the salmon for 14–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
Check for doneness by flaking the thickest part with a fork or using a thermometer (should read 125°F).
Remove from oven and serve with your choice of sides.

Notes

Use skin-on salmon for best moisture retention.
Frozen salmon works well; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Foil helps trap moisture and makes cleanup easier.
Leftovers can be gently reheated in a skillet with olive oil.
Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, or sautéed vegetables for a full meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of fillet
Calories: 280
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: baked salmon recipe no lemon, salmon without lemon, garlic butter salmon, easy baked salmon, salmon dinner