On busy weeknights, a recipe like this is exactly the kind of dinner that saves the day: frozen raw king salmon fillets go straight into the baking dish with just three more ingredients, then the oven does the work. King salmon is naturally rich and buttery, so it does not need much to taste special, and this simple baked version is perfect for anyone trying to get a wholesome meal on the table without a lot of prep or cleanup.
This salmon pairs well with easy sides that can cook or come together while the fish bakes, like steamed rice, roasted asparagus, green beans, baby potatoes, or a crisp salad. I also love serving it with lemon wedges and a piece of warm crusty bread to soak up the savory juices in the pan.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked King Salmon
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen raw king salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons garlic seasoning
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease an oven-safe glass baking dish large enough to hold the frozen salmon fillets in a single layer.
2. Place the frozen raw king salmon fillets in the baking dish. Pour the melted butter evenly over the fillets, then sprinkle with the garlic seasoning and lay the lemon slices over the top.
3. Bake uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the frozen fillets.
4. Let the salmon rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then spoon some of the buttery pan juices over the top and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add fresh herbs: If you have them on hand, a little chopped dill or parsley sprinkled on after baking makes the salmon look fresh and adds nice color without changing the simplicity of the recipe.
Swap the seasoning: Garlic seasoning keeps things easy, but lemon pepper or an all-purpose seafood blend also work well. If your seasoning blend already contains salt, you probably will not need anything extra.
Use a thermometer: This is the easiest way to avoid overcooking salmon, especially when starting from frozen. Check the thickest fillet first, since thinner pieces may finish a little sooner.
Make cleanup easier: A quick coating of cooking spray or a light brushing of oil on the baking dish helps prevent sticking and makes washing the dish much faster after dinner.
Adjust for thicker fillets: King salmon can be quite thick and rich, so if your fillets are especially large, plan on the longer end of the baking time. If the top starts browning before the center is done, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining bake time.