Easy Baked Sockeye Salmon

Baked salmon is the gateway recipe that turns anyone into a seafood lover. Wild sockeye's naturally rich flavor needs nothing more than a drizzle of olive oil, fresh lemon, and minced garlic to shine. At 400°F, the high heat creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly moist. This recipe is Whole30, Paleo, and Keto-friendly, delivering 34 grams of protein per serving with virtually no carbs.

Ingredients

• 4 wild sockeye salmon portions (5-6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (half juiced, half sliced)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon portions dry with paper towels. Place skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Season: Drizzle olive oil over each portion. Spread minced garlic evenly on top. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets and arrange lemon slices alongside.
4. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 125-145°F internally.
5. Broil for color (optional): For a golden top, switch to broil for the final 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes. The fish will continue cooking slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.