This easy budget-friendly salmon recipe feeds a crowd and is ready in under 20 minutes! Mayo baked salmon always comes out flavorful, juicy, tender, and flaky. No one will guess the topping has mayo in it!
¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepperplus more for the salmon
optional for serving: lemon wedges and fresh herbssuch as fill, scallions, or chives
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F. Spray a large baking sheet with olive oil.
Pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel on all sides and place it on the oiled baking sheet. If using smaller cuts of salmon, place them all on the baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayo, Parmesan, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon each garlic powder, paprika, fill, salt, and pepper.
Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread the mayo mixture on top of the salmon.
Arrange lemon slices on top and bake at 425F for 9-11 minutes.
Turn the broiler on, and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and is flaky inside. Watch constantly to make sure the top is not burning. If the mayo crust starts getting too brown, turn the heat back down to 425F. Tip: Use tongs or a fork to pick up a lemon slice and use a fork to check for done-ness under the lemon, then cover it back up.
Slice and serve, garnishing with fresh herbs.
Notes
Size of salmon fillet: This recipe is written for a whole salmon fillet about 2-3 lbs. You can use smaller pieces of salmon and just brush each one with the mayo mixture individually.Scaling down the recipe: If you're using 1 lb of salmon or less, divide the rest of the ingredients in half (¼ cup mayo, ¼ cup Parmesan, etc.)Salmon skin: If your salmon has skin on, just place the salmon skin-side down to bake. Once it is fully baked, the salmon flesh will separate easily from the skin. Make sure to oil your baking pan well so the skin doesn't get stuck to it. But if any salmon skin gets stuck, just soak the pan in hot soapy water afterwards. Also keep in mind this salmon skin bacon recipe!! Try these recipe variations:
Use finely minced parsley, chives, scallions, or cilantro in place of dill.
Use finely grated sharp cheddar cheese. The cheesy creamy topping makes salmon absolutely amazing!
Add very thinly sliced onion circles on the salmon, and brushing the mayo over the onions.
The nutrition facts are estimated assuming a 2 lb salmon fillet is divided into 8 portions.