If you want baked salmon steaks that are juicy, tender, and never dry, this easy oven method is your foolproof recipe. Salmon steaks are especially great for baking because they hold their shape and stay moist when cooked properly. With simple seasoning - olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs - this dish comes together quickly and beautifully for weeknight dinners or when you're entertaining guests.
About the Recipe
Salmon steaks are cross-cut pieces of salmon with the bone in the center, which helps them hold their shape and stay juicy while baking.
Unlike salmon fillets, salmon steaks contain a few small pin bones around the center bone. I recommend removing the smaller bones before baking so they're easy to enjoy once cooked.
As a cookbook author, I always recommend using an instant-read thermometer when baking salmon. It's the most reliable way to guarantee perfectly tender, flaky results every time.
Baking salmon steaks in the oven at a higher temperature keeps the outside lightly roasted while the inside stays moist - no dry salmon here.
I love serving these salmon steaks with a simple side salad, couscous, or roasted vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner.
If you're looking for more salmon recipes, check out our Greek Salmon, Pistachio Crusted Salmon, Salmon Salsa Verde, or Pan Seared Salmon recipes.
Jump to:
- About the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Recipe
- How Long to Bake Salmon Steaks
- Ingredients
- What Temperature Should Salmon Steaks Be Cooked To?
- Directions
- Salmon Steaks vs Salmon Fillets
- Expert Tips and Tricks
- Kitchen Equipment
- Recipe Substitutions/Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Serve With
- Recipe Storage and Reheating
- Easy Baked Salmon Steaks
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Delicious - This baked salmon recipe is so delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! This salmon is also great for entertaining a crowd!
- Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a sheet pan and a small bowl to make this recipe!
- Versatile - This is great for an easy weeknight meal or a meal prepped lunch! This salmon pairs with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile meal you can enjoy again and again.
How Long to Bake Salmon Steaks
The exact baking time depends on the thickness of your salmon steaks and your oven temperature.
Here's a simple guide:
- At 400°F: Bake for 10-14 minutes
- At 375°F: Bake for 12-16 minutes
- At 425°F: Bake for 8-12 minutes
Most salmon steaks are about 1 inch thick and cook perfectly at 400°F in around 12 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
If you're unsure, use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this Baked Salmon Steak recipe:
- Fresh Salmon Steaks - Small bones removed. You can also use salmon fillets if you can't find salmon steaks. You can buy salmon steaks at a quality supermarket or fishmonger.
- Olive Oil - I recommend using regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil.
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic - Use fresh minced garlic for best results.
- Onion Powder
- Chili Powder
- Basil - for serving. You can also use other fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or lemon slices for serving.
What Temperature Should Salmon Steaks Be Cooked To?
For juicy, perfectly cooked salmon steaks, aim for an internal temperature of:
- 125°F for medium-rare
- 130-135°F for medium
- 140°F for well-done
The USDA recommends cooking salmon to 145°F, but many home cooks prefer removing it from the oven slightly earlier for a more tender result.
Remember: the salmon will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven.
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400F.
Step 2
Pat salmon steaks dry. Rub with olive oil and place salmon on a baking tray or baking dish lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Step 3
Combine salt, black pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl. Rub spice blend on both sides of the fish steak.
Step 4
Bake salmon steaks for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145F, when the fish flakes with a fork.
Salmon Steaks vs Salmon Fillets
Salmon steaks and salmon fillets are cut differently and cook slightly differently.
Salmon Steaks
- Cross-cut slices from the whole fish
- Contain a center bone
- Slightly firmer texture
- Hold their shape well during baking
Salmon Fillets
- Cut lengthwise from the side of the fish
- Boneless (or mostly boneless)
- Flakier and more delicate
- Cook slightly faster than steaks
Because salmon steaks are thicker and contain bone, they can take a minute or two longer in the oven than fillets of the same weight.
This is why checking internal temperature is key.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious recipe perfect.
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so it roasts instead of steams.
- Don't overbake - salmon cooks quickly.
- Bake at a higher temperature (400°F is ideal) for better texture.
- Let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavor.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Instant Read Thermometer - I recommend investing in an instant read thermometer so you can quickly tell if your food is cooked properly.
- Sheet Pan - Use a good quality sheet pan so your salmon cooks evenly.
- Mixing Bowl - I love these mixing bowls and use them daily in my kitchen. They are great for tossing salads, mixing ingredients, and even serving!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Types of Salmon - You can use a salmon filet in place of a salmon steak. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon, so make sure you check on the internal temperature so it is not overcooked. You can also use sockeye salmon, king salmon, Atlantic salmon, wild salmon, or your favorite salmon based on personal preference.
- Cooking Method - You can also pan sear these salmon steaks. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear for 4 minutes per side.
- Seasoning Variation - You can add as many other spices as you like to the spice blend on these salmon steaks. Some suggestions include dried herbs, smoked paprika, or lemon-pepper seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Salmon steak does not taste any different than salmon fillets. A salmon steak is just a different type of cut of salmon that is typically thicker than smaller fillets.
This is entirely up to preference. Salmon contains many fatty acids, making harder to dry out than other fish. Salmon cooked at a lower temperature will be soft and flaky, and salmon cooked at a higher temperature will develop a nice crust in the oven.
Salmon is very versatile and is delicious with a variety of spices! You can use garlic, onion powder, lemon pepper, lemon juice, melted butter, dill, basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, and thyme to season salmon.
What to Serve With
Here are some side dishes to serve with this easy Baked Salmon Steak recipe!
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Easy Baked Salmon Steaks
Equipment
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Sheet Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks small bones removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Pat salmon steaks dry. Rub with olive oil and place on a lined baking tray.
- Combine salt, black pepper, garlic, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl. Rub spice blend on both sides.
- Bake salmon steaks for 12 minutes. Top with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
-
- Check your Salmon - Keep an eye on your salmon while it is baking to ensure it doesn't overcook!
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- Complete the Meal - Complete the meal with a simple side salad and couscous or orzo.
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- Utilize Leftovers - Use leftovers for meal prep. Add a piece of salmon to a container with couscous, quinoa, or your favorite grain and add some roasted veggies for a delicious prepped meal.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
-
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
-
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
-
- Reheating Instructions:Â The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Jess says
Amazing and so fast to make!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you liked the recipe!
Terry Ryan says
Fabulous, I always covered my salmon but this was dilish 😛
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks Terry! So happy you liked the recipe!
Marg Love says
Another use for leftover salmon , though I seldom have any, is on top of butter lettuce with cooked green beans and baby potatoes, and a ripe tomato. I love using Target’s Orange Miso Ginger dressing on it.
Stefan says
Mmmm, I'm eating it right now, tastes amazing, good seasoning combination,
it's simple and works so well with the minced garlic. What I did extra was melt butter and add that to the mix as well. I made sure to only add the minced garlic to the top side so it all roasts nicely. I also cooked it at 390 for 15 mins.