Make this simple oven-baked Old Bay Salmon in under 20 minutes using just a handful of fresh ingredients and bold seasoning. It's easy, quick and tasty!
If you've ever needed a dinner that feels a little special but requires almost zero effort, this baked Old Bay salmon is it!
The combination of lemon, basil, and Old Bay seasoning gives the fish a fresh, bold, and herbaceous flavor that works beautifully with the natural richness of salmon.
I started making this when I wanted something different from the usual butter-dill combo. Old Bay adds just enough richness and savory depth without overpowering the fish.
Add some lemon zest and fresh basil, and the whole dish just pops.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a few guests, this recipe hits the sweet spot between easy and impressive.
We've had it with Gruyere Au Gratin Potatoes for a more sophisticated meal, with Mango Corn Salsa for a super healthy dinner, or with Spicy Air Fryer Potato Wedges for a USA twist on Fish n Chips.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Bold, fresh flavor
- Requires just a few pantry ingredients
- Easy cleanup
- Pairs with many sides
- Great for meal prep
- Low-carb and high-protein
- Naturally gluten-free
- Feels special without extra effort
- Customizable to taste or diet
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet (skin-on): Holds together well in the oven; rich and satisfying
- Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds flavor
- Lemon zest: Adds brightness without too much acidity
- Old Bay seasoning: Brings savory heat and complexity
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick
- Fresh lemon slices: Infuses moisture and citrus flavor
- Chopped basil: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
What is Old Bay seasoning?
You'll recognize it from the iconic yellow, blue and red packaging, but what exactly is it?
Old Bay Seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that was created by McCormick and Company in Baltimore, Maryland, back in the 1930s as a seafood seasoning.
It typically contains a mixture of celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika, as well as other spices like bay leaves, cloves, and allspice.
It is often used to season seafood dishes like crab, shrimp, scallops, and fish, but can also be used on a variety of other foods. Be sure to also try it in Buttermilk Old Bay Chicken Legs.
You can make your own Old Bay Seasoning.
Prepping Fresh Salmon
Before cooking the salmon, make sure to properly prep it by checking for any bones and removing them. Rinse the fillet under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
If the salmon has skin, you can leave it on or remove it. If you choose to remove the skin, simply use a sharp knife to carefully peel it off. For this recipe, I like to leave it on to hold the salmon together.
Salmon Cooking Safety Tips:
Salmon is a safe fish to eat, but it is important to cook it properly to avoid foodborne illness. This fish is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.
When cooking salmon, it's important to follow some safety tips to ensure it's cooked to perfection. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and that the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this Old Bay Salmon recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with oil.
Place the salmon fillet into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine Old Bay seasoning and pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillet, then sprinkle it with the lemon zest and chopped basil.
Place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillet.
Bake your old bay salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
Garnish with more chopped basily and serve.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- With Mashed Potato Recipes.
- Over a green salad.
- Alongside roasted asparagus, Buttered Cabbage or Melted Leeks.
- With couscous or quinoa.
- On a sandwich with aioli - try Horseradish Aioli or Basil Aioli.
- With buttered noodles.
- Over herbed rice pilaf.
- With grilled zucchini and squash.
- On a bed of lentils or chickpeas.
- With sautéed spinach and garlic.
Substitutions
- Salmon: If salmon isn't your thing, try using another type of fish, such as cod or tilapia.
- Old Bay seasoning: If you don't have Old Bay seasoning on hand, try using a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend instead.
- Lemon zest: If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use a little bottled lemon juice instead.
Variations
- Use parsley instead of basil.
- Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning.
- Add garlic powder or minced garlic.
- Drizzle with honey for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Bake in foil for extra moisture.
- Use lime instead of lemon.
- Add sliced onions or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
- Top with feta or goat cheese after baking.
- Use smoked paprika and cumin instead of Old Bay.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the spice rub.
- Bake with a crust of crushed almonds or panko.
Recipe Tips
- Marinate the salmon: For a more flavorful salmon, marinate it in the Old Bay seasoning blend for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh salmon, herbs and lemon.
- Don't overcook your salmon.
- You can also add other herbs and spices to the salmon, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dill weed.
- Pat the salmon dry so the seasoning sticks.
- Don't overbake; check at 15 minutes.
- Zest the lemon before slicing.
- Use a meat thermometer if unsure (145°F internal temp).
- Let the salmon rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Freeze cooked salmon tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
Reheat gently in the oven or flake cold over a salad
What are some common mistakes people make when cooking salmon?
Some common mistakes people make when cooking salmon include:
- Overcooking the salmon. Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking the salmon will make it dry and tough.
- Not letting the salmon rest before serving. Salmon is best served when it has had a chance to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the fish.
More Salmon Recipes
Salmon Curry
Blackened Salmon
Salmon Kabobs
Easy Salmon Patties
Salmon with Mushroom Sauce
Try these 50 Salmon Recipes.
FAQ
You can cook salmon in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, pan-frying, and smoking. It is important to cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) to avoid foodborne illness.
Salmon is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It is a low-fat fish that is also high in vitamins and minerals.
📖 Recipe
Old Bay Salmon
Equipment
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with oil.
- Rinse the salmon and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the salmon fillet into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine Old Bay seasoning and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillet, then sprinkle it with the lemon zest and chopped basil.
- Place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with more chopped basil and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Dannii says
Such an amazing seasoning and this was the perfect way to use it.
Dora says
Salmon is served every week at our house and until this recipe we never thought to use old bay. Wow is right! It was so easy and so delicious 😋
Sisley says
So delicious and so easy. A proper wonderful spring meal.