Baked Salmon Fillets {with a Ginger Orange Marinade}

May 04, 2020

Tender salmon fillets are marinated in a citrus ginger marinade and baked to flaky tender perfection.

Easy and quick, this baked salmon recipe can be halved to feed two people or doubled to feed a crowd!

Baked salmon filets with a fork on a plate topped with green onions

Why We Love This Salmon Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make (it only needs about 12 minutes or so in the oven) but tastes and looks elegant.

It’s perfect to make ahead because the marinate will make this recipe flavorful!

The ingredients are things I usually have on hand and really bring out the flavor of the fish without overpowering it (you can use any salmon marinade with this method)!

Ingredients for the marinade for Baked salmon filets

Ingredients/Variations

This easy marinade all comes together to give this salmon so much flavor with little effort!

JUICE Good ol’ OJ adds the orange flavor to this glaze. No orange juice? Substitute pineapple juice (even from a can of tidbits) or apple juice in a pinch.

SWEET Brown sugar and honey sweeten things up! Use one or the other if it’s all you’ve got or even add in maple syrup in place!

FLAVORS Ginger and garlic speak for themselves. Use powdered if necessary, but since powdered is stronger be sure to use 1/3 of the amount called for.

Toasted sesame oil adds a lot of flavor to this recipe and shouldn’t be left out.

Baked salmon filets being marinated in a soy orange marinade

Choosing the Best Salmon

Choosing the Best Fillets

Look for thick, nicely marbled cuts.
Press the thickest part of the flesh and the salmon should spring back, not remain indented.
Give it a good sniff! Anything too fishy smelling is probably best avoided.

Storing Fresh Fish

No use buying fresh salmon only to freeze it!

Store fresh fish in the refrigerator and cook within two days.
Transfer to an airtight container to keep your fridge smelling fresh!

Frozen Fillets

This recipe is great for frozen filets too. Thaw the filets in the refrigerator and proceed as directed in the recipe.

How to Bake Salmon Fillets

This salmon is marinated and then baked in the oven. I like to bake it until almost ready and then broil it for a minute or so at the end.

Reserve a little bit of the marinade for brushing at the end.

Marinate salmon for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours using the recipe below.
Bake the salmon about 10-12 minutes (this will vary based on thickness, check your salmon early to ensure it doesn’t overcook).
Brush with more marinade and broil 1-2 minutes.

How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked

Salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be very slightly translucent in the center. Once the fish becomes flaky, remove it from the heat right away (overcooked fish is not flavorful and can be dry).

Green onions are a pretty and fresh garnish! Try topping with a twist of orange peel as well!

Baked salmon filets in a dish topped with green onions

What to Serve With It

Go for comfort foods or elegant sides – it’s hard to go wrong!

Try alongside roasted parmesan asparagus for extra gourmet deliciousness!
Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes round out this meal well.
No one ever complained about being served these mashed potatoes or even a simple rice pilaf.
A salad is simply a must with baked salmon!
Feeling adventurous? Try creamy mushroom risotto!

Fave Salmon Recipes

One Pan Sesame Ginger Salmon – with broccoli
Salmon Croquettes – reader favorite
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon – whole or fillets
Easy Grilled Salmon – great for summer
Herb Crusted Baked Salmon – 30 min meal
Honey Mustard Salmon – perfect weeknight meal

Did you enjoy this Baked Salmon? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!