1-How to Prepare the Perfect Baked Salmon: Getting baked salmon just right doesn’t take much effort, and you’ll love how simple it is to follow along. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a large baking pan to prevent sticking. This setup ensures your fish cooks evenly and comes out with that perfect flaky texture.

2-Next, arrange the 4 salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season them generously with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian herb seasoning blend, and juice from half of the lemon. Spoon this mixture evenly over the salmon, making sure every surface is coated for maximum flavor.

3-Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place a slice on top of each fillet for a fresh twist. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Once it’s done, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you have it on hand, and let it rest a bit before serving. The total prep and cooking time is about 25 minutes, making this ideal for quick meals.