Baked Spicy Citrus Salmon is an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor. The salmon bakes to perfection with a crispy skin and a mix of citrus and spice. It’s a quick, healthy meal that pairs well with any side.
The key to this dish is the perfect balance of spice and citrus. The salmon is seasoned with a blend of spices, and then baked at high heat to lock in moisture while crisping up the skin. Fresh orange and lemon juice add a bright flavor that complements the rich, flaky fish.
For more easy dinner recipes try my The Best Air Fried Skinless Chicken Thighs, Creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta, and Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
Ingredients
- Salmon: For this recipe, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin on for extra crispiness. Cutting the salmon into individual portions helps it cook evenly and makes serving easier.
- Orange, lime, and lemon zest: The combination of orange, lime, and lemon zest brings a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the salmon.
- Garlic: I recommend using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor. Fresh garlic adds a more vibrant, rich taste and blends well with the citrus and spices. As it bakes, it becomes slightly caramelized, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease or spray a baking tray. Once the oven is fully heated, place the baking tray inside to heat up—this helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with lemon, lime, and orange zest, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper.
- Wash and pat dry the salmon fillets, then carefully place them skin-side down on the hot baking tray. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Evenly spread the seasoned butter over the salmon, reserving 1 tablespoon for later.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and spread the reserved tablespoon of butter over the top before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often a great choice.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes. Overcooking can make it dry, so aim for a slightly flaky texture. It should be just opaque in the center.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can also add more for a spicier kick!
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, make sure your baking sheet is hot before placing the salmon on it. You can also broil it for the last 1-2 minutes if you want even more crispiness!
- Serve with Sides: This salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
FAQS
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better results.
While it's best fresh, you can prepare the seasoned butter mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake the salmon when you’re ready.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or use a microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Recipe video
More easy dinner recipes
📖 Recipe
BEST Baked Spicy Citrus Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillets
- 3 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease or spray a baking tray. Once the oven is fully heated, place the baking tray inside to heat up—this helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with lemon, lime, and orange zest, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper.
- Wash and pat dry the salmon fillets, then carefully place them skin-side down on the hot baking tray. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Evenly spread the seasoned butter over the salmon, reserving 1 tablespoon for later.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and spread the reserved tablespoon of butter over the top before serving.
Video
Notes
- Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often a great choice.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes. Overcooking can make it dry, so aim for a slightly flaky texture. It should be just opaque in the center.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can also add more for a spicier kick!
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, make sure your baking sheet is hot before placing the salmon on it. You can also broil it for the last 1-2 minutes if you want even more crispiness!
- Serve with Sides: This salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
