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–+ servings
Two perfectly baked salmon fillets with a crispy breadcrumb topping, showcasing flaky texture, ideal for quick salmon recipes.

What I Cook When I Crave Salmon Recipes

Discover a simple and flavorful way to prepare salmon when you're craving a healthy and delicious meal. This recipe uses a blend of spices to create a savory crust, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets wild caught if possible
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Spice Mixture
  • 0.5 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the salmon fillets sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before cooking.
  2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and brush it lightly with olive oil.
  3. Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cumin. Mix well.
  5. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  6. Bake for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it's tender and flakes easily with a fork, with a pink center (internal temperature should be 125°F to 130°F). A 1-inch thick fillet typically takes about 15 minutes.
  7. For a crispy top, if desired, you can broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking, once the internal temperature reaches 115°F.
  8. Let the salmon rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the spice blend to your preference. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.

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