1-First Step: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease a large baking pan. This moderate oven temperature helps prevent dryness, which is the biggest issue with many baked salmon recipes.

2-Second Step: Arrange the 4 salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Seasoning matters here, because salmon holds flavor best when it’s properly salted.

3-Third Step: Stir together olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and the juice of half the lemon. This is your flavorful coating for oven baked salmon that stays tender.

4-Fourth Step: Spoon the mixture over the salmon fillets. Rub it over the tops and sides so there are no dry spots. If you want to adapt to preferences, this is also the moment to swap herbs based on what you love.

5-Fifth Step: Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place a lemon slice on each salmon piece. The lemon slice adds aroma and extra brightness while it bakes.

6-Sixth Step: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. As a general guide, this timing works well for typical fillet thicknesses used in easy baked salmon recipe plans.

7-Seventh Step: Optional finishing for texture: broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes for a crispier top. Keep an eye on it, because broilers go from perfect to overdone quickly.

8-Final Step: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve immediately. For the best texture, don’t let it sit too long after baking.