I’m confident this Old Bay Salmon will become a favorite on your dinner rotation. Classic Old Bay seasoning brightens fresh salmon with bold, savory notes, and the simple oven-roasting method makes it an effortless, flavorful meal.
This roasted salmon seasoned with Old Bay is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe. The seasoning blend brings savory, slightly spicy accents that complement salmon’s natural richness. The result is crisp edges with a tender, buttery interior—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy family meal.
With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a healthy, satisfying salmon dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. The method is straightforward: brush the fillets with oil, rub on the seasoning blend, and roast until flaky.
What Is Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay is a long-standing seasoning blend commonly used with seafood. The exact recipe is proprietary, but typical components include black pepper, red pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. It delivers bold, savory flavor that enhances fish and shellfish.
There’s also a herbaceous note from celery salt and other aromatics, which may include spices like cardamom or nutmeg—these subtle layers contribute to Old Bay’s distinctive taste.
Recipe Ingredients
This oven-baked salmon cooks quickly and browns nicely. You only need a few common ingredients. For exact amounts and detailed instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Salmon: About 1½ pounds of salmon fillets (roughly 4 fillets).
- Olive Oil: About 2 tablespoons for brushing the fillets. Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil also work well.
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon depending on taste; adjust as desired.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: A small amount adds depth to the seasoning.
- Dried Dill and Parsley: These herbs brighten the fish and complement the Old Bay blend.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro to garnish before serving.
Can You Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes. Thawing is recommended for the best texture. To quickly thaw, keep fillets sealed in plastic or a bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water for about an hour, replacing the water halfway through.
How to Make Old Bay Salmon
Roasting salmon is fast and straightforward—ideal for busy weeknights. Follow these steps for reliable results:
- Preheat and prepare: Heat oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment for easy cleanup. Place fillets skin-side down and brush with olive oil.
- Season: Mix Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend over the top and sides of each fillet.
- Roast: Bake 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer—salmon is done at 145°F internal temperature.
Recipe Tips
These simple tips will help you get the best texture and flavor from your salmon.
- Use parchment: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup faster and keeps the fish from sticking.
- Choose wild-caught if possible: Many cooks prefer the flavor of wild salmon, but farmed salmon also works well and is often more affordable.
- Match fillet sizes: Use fillets of similar size and thickness so they cook evenly. If pieces vary widely, smaller fillets may overcook before larger ones are done.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the salmon with simple, complementary sides: buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread, steamed or sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad like Caesar or a cucumber salad with a cool dressing. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon brightens the flavors. Roasted vegetables such as brussels sprouts and yellow squash make an easy sheet-pan meal alongside the fish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container or sealed bag. It will keep 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in an ovenproof dish covered loosely with foil at 275°F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. This helps preserve moisture and texture.
- Avoid freezing leftovers when possible, as reheated frozen salmon can become dry or lose its original texture.
More Easy Fish Recipes
- Beer Battered Fish
- Balsamic Tuna Steaks
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Salmon Florentine
Old Bay Salmon
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds salmon fillets, (use 4 fillets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450˚F.
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Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and brush with olive oil.
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Combine Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and parsley in a small bowl and mix well.
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Rub the spice mixture over the tops and sides of the fillets.
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Bake 10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For accuracy, an instant-read thermometer should read 145˚F when fully cooked.
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Remove from oven and let rest a couple of minutes before serving.
To Make with Roasted Vegetables (optional)
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Toss halved brussels sprouts and sliced yellow squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes, then add raw salmon fillets around the vegetables and continue roasting 10–12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate. Values may vary by ingredients and tools used. Use your preferred nutrition calculator for specific details.
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