Baked Salmon with Garlic Mayo
A simple, garlicky topping transforms a whole salmon fillet into a quick yet elegant dish, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillet
- 2 lbs fresh salmon fillet (skin on)
Garlic Mayo Topping
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (slightly heaping) Use full-fat mayo for best texture
- 8 cloves garlic (crushed) Press or finely mince
- 5 oz fresh dill (chopped) This is generous; adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crushed garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust salt or dill as needed.
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Season the flesh lightly with a pinch more salt and pepper if desired.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared sheet. Spread the garlic-mayo mixture evenly over the top of the fillet in a thin layer.
Baking
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–18 minutes, depending on fillet thickness.
- Optional: For a more pronounced brown crust, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Serving
- Let the fillet rest 3–5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Cool the salmon to room temperature no longer than 2 hours after cooking, then store in an airtight container. Use within 3-4 days. You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.