Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off based on preference
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Substitution tips: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine but adds less smokiness. Ground turmeric can be added for a slightly different flavor profile. For a milder version, leave out the cayenne pepper entirely. If olive oil isn’t your favorite, avocado oil or melted coconut oil are great alternatives.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the spices stick better and promotes a nice crust.
- Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, gently pressing to adhere.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a bit apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re looking for the salmon to be opaque and flaky when tested with a fork, but not dry. A good rule of thumb is about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness.
- Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon. This brightens the spices and adds a lovely tang.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if you like, and serve warm.
From my experience, letting the salmon rest for a minute or two after baking helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking a taste while plating—that’s the true test of your afternoon’s effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Spiced Salmon, recipe, cooking, food
