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Exquisite Oven-Roasted Salmon

Indulge in this luxurious oven-roasted salmon featuring a savory soy and brown sugar marinade with garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, and a touch of vinegar. The result is a beautifully flaky, tender, and incredibly flavorful dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 324
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced (or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • Lemon pepper seasoning
  • 4 to 6 boneless salmon filets 4 to 6 ounces each (skin on or off – see note)

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, oil, vinegar, and garlic until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Arrange the salmon filets in a shallow dish in a single layer with the skin facing up, so the marinade can seep into the flesh. (If using skinless filets, flip them halfway through marinating.)
  3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours) to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the salmon.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F. For a modern twist, preheat your air fryer to 400°F as an alternative cooking method.
  5. Line a half-sheet pan with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin side down on the prepared pan. Sprinkle each piece evenly with lemon pepper seasoning.
  6. For oven cooking, bake the salmon for 10 to 15 minutes—checking frequently until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 125°F for medium-rare or up to 140°F for a firmer texture. For the air fryer, arrange the filets in a single layer and cook for 7 to 9 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, let the salmon rest for 5 to 7 minutes. This resting time allows the internal temperature to rise slightly, ensuring each bite remains buttery and moist.