Foolproof Baked Salmon with Lemon Mayo

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

½-1 teaspoon finely chopped or grated garlic

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (to taste)

Extra-virgin olive oil

1 1½-2-pound salmon fillet (skin on, preferably 1½-2-inch thick, center-cut)

1 or 2 fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 (160C) degrees.

Mix the lemon mayo: Blend the mayonnaise, garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl.

Blend the spices: Combine the oregano, smoked paprika, salt, red and black pepper in a small bowl.

Drizzle some olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Put the salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the spice blend over the salmon, the rub it into the flesh with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

Drop spoonfuls of the lemon mayo over the top of the fish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out in one even layer.

Bake the salmon 15-20 minutes. The flesh should look opaque and feel firm to the touch when pressed at the thickest part of the fish, measuring 120F (50C) for medium-rare or 140-150F (62C) for well done on an instant-read thermometer.

Squeeze some lemon over the salmon. To serve, use a spatula to separate the skin from the cooked salmon fillets — it should come off easily. Enjoy!

Nutrition

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Sodium: 414 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g