Paprika Salmon Recipe

Why you will love this recipe

Quick and easy: This is the best-baked salmon recipe in the world. The recipe is so quick to put together. Make the marinade, slap it on the salmon and the oven does the rest of the cooking. It sure makes a perfect and healthy midweek dinner, and it is ready in under 20 minutes, too. I love to serve it in a rice bowl packed with other healthy sides. This is so good even your fussiest eater will love it.

Budget-friendly: You can enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home on a budget. A simple dinner doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Adding paprika to this salmon with other simple ingredients makes it restaurant-worthy.

Flavorful: This recipe is full of flavor with the combination of smoked paprika and garlic, which makes the salmon so tasty. The spices boost up the natural taste of salmon and you can enjoy it without relying on sauces or dips. I love to use smoked paprika with salmon as it adds an amazing smoky flavor to the dish without overpowering it.

Healthy: Salmon is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Paprika is good for digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties your body will be grateful for.

Healthy: Salmon is low carb, low calorie and packed with some nutritional goodness. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and paprika has anti-inflammatory benefits as well as flavoring your meal.

What you will need

To make this speedy fish dinner, you will need the following ingredients

Salmon fillets: Substitute with a whole side of salmon.

Smoked paprika: Use any good quality storebought paprika you can find. No, it doesn’t have to be the McCormick brand, any will work just fine.

Garlic paste

Onion powder

Olive oil: Substitute with unsalted melted butter

Salt and black pepper: For spicy variations, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

How to make paprika salmon

Preheat the oven to 400F / 200C.

Pat the salmon dry with a kitchen paper towel to draw out moisture and set aside. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking oil or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Make the seasoning paste: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic paste, salt and black pepper.

Place the salmon on the baking dish, skin side down

Brush the seasoning paste over each of the salmon fillets making sure to cover every surface.

Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to your desired doneness. Servve with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Salmon doneness temperature

According to the FDA and USDA, to ensure that your salmon is cooked properly and to a safe consumption temperature, the internal temperature should reach 145F /63C.

The best way to determine this is to use a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish. A well done salmon will be firm, opaque and no longer pink. If you want it on the medium side, cook the fish to an internal temperature of 120F-140F.

How to store

Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it cools completely before stopping it away.

Leftovers can be eaten cold with a salad or in a sandwich. If you would like it warm then reheat the salmon in the microwave for a few seconds at a time until hot enough to your liking.

What to serve with baked salmon

Potatoes: you can it with an array of potato side dishes such as mashed potatoes, buttery potatoes, air fryer baby potatoes, roasted ranch potatoes, ricotta mashed potatoes, baked sweet potato slices and many more.

Grains like couscous, quinoa, and rice are great to serve with salmon. Check out these recipes for inspiration. Seasoned rice, cilantro lime rice, chimichurri rice, garlic rice, cumin rice, mushroom rice, and many more.

Veggies: Air-fried asparagus, baked Brussels sprouts, baked root vegetables, and broccoli are wonderful veggie side dishes for baked salmon. You can also try sauteed leeks, zucchini or spinach.

Salads: Any salad goes well with this delicious smoked paprika salmon. Try my creamy coleslaw and apple cucumber salad.