Garlic Herb Baked Salmon

Name: Garlic Herb Baked Salmon with Cilantro & Basil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 2.25 lbs steelhead salmon fillet, skin on; 10 cloves garlic; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, for serving

This garlic herb baked salmon combines fresh cilantro, basil, and Mediterranean spices to deliver a tender, flaky fillet that's as elegant for special occasions as it is simple for weeknight cooking.

🌍Mediterranean-inspired 🏷️Baked salmon 🏷️Salmon 🏷️Steelhead 🏷️Garlic herb salmon Cilantro

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🏷️Basil

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TikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2.25 lbs steelhead salmon fillet, skin on
10 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Place the salmon fillet in a large glass baking dish. Using a sharp knife, make several deep slices across the width of the fillet, about 1-2 inches apart.
2
In a food processor, combine the garlic, cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until the ingredients are roughly chopped.
3
Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor and pulse a few more times to incorporate.
4
Using a spoon and knife, stuff the marinade into the slices you made in the salmon.
5
Spread the remaining marinade evenly over the entire top surface of the salmon.
6
For best flavor, cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight. If short on time, you can proceed to baking.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8
Bake the salmon uncovered for 25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on top.
9
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot salmon before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat the salmon skin-on side dry before marinating to help the skin crisp during baking and ensure even herb adhesion.
Use a light hand when mixing the herb marinade—avoid over-bruising cilantro and basil, which releases bitterness.
Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes depending on fillet thickness; start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking the delicate flesh.
Reserve a pinch of the fresh herb mixture to sprinkle on top after baking for a vibrant, fresh finish and color pop.

Substitutions

Extra virgin olive oil → avocado oil or grapeseed oil (neutral flavor, high smoke point)
Fresh cilantro → flat-leaf parsley or dill (note: changes the herbaceous profile)
Steelhead salmon fillet → Atlantic or wild-caught salmon; adjust baking time by ±2 minutes based on thickness
Paprika + cumin → smoked paprika + ground coriander (adds depth and a slight smoky note)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently at 275°F for 10 minutes or serve cold.

Equipment

baking sheet · parchment paper or foil · meat thermometer

Common Questions

How do you know when baked salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. The flesh should appear opaque, not translucent.