Spicy Middle Eastern Baked Salmon is coated in a spicy mix of cilantro, garlic, lemon, and spices and then baked to juicy, tender perfection. With how healthy and flavorful this dish is, it will become your new go-to dinner! Serve with a side of rice, roasted veggies, salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal!
This Middle Eastern / Mediterranean baked salmon recipe is the perfect option for when you want a dinner that’s flavorful, healthy and is sure to impress. Just a handful of simple ingredients, mostly pantry staples, come together to create one of the best FLAVORFUL seafood recipes ever! When you join the ease of cooking salmon, its health benefits, and wonderful flavor, you’ll have a knockout dinner.
This delicious salmon recipe originates from my Yemeni mother but it is also served in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Tunisia. The spice mix can also be used on chicken or lamb to make a roasted dish that is out of this world. Sometimes I like to double the spice mixture and season a bunch of vegetables with the mixture to bake alongside the salmon. We like to serve this dish during gatherings but I make it at least twice a month. After trying this flavor-packed salmon, I’m sure you will love it as much as we do!
Reasons you’ll love this recipe
- It’s super flavorful: Even though, this baked salmon recipe is so simple to throw together, it tastes like a 5-star meal. The fish is baked at the perfect high temperature, so in just about 15 minutes it’s deliciously tender and flaky. Plus, the spice rub really takes it to the next level.
- Healthy: Pair this salmon with a green veggie and some brown rice and you’ll have yourself a dinner filled with nutrients. Salmon is extremely healthy and includes plenty of protein and healthy fats to satisfy you for hours.
- Quick & easy: This meal can be ready to serve in just about 20 minutes, including prep time. This is a hassle-free recipe that’s great for busy weeknights.
Ingredients needed
The ingredients for this Middle Eastern baked salmon recipe are really quite simple! The packet of sazon is probably the only thing you’ll have to pick up. You can find it down the spice aisle. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Salmon: Use salmon fillets that are boneless and roughly the same thickness. This way, they all cook at the same rate.
- Garlic: Minced or crushed garlic gives the rub plenty of savory flavor.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and flavor. Sub with parsley or omit, if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Sazon: A bold Puerto Rican spice typically made with coriander, cumin, achiote, garlic powder, oregano, salt & pepper. 1 packet of sazon is equal to about 2 teaspoons of the seasoning if you can’t find it in a packet.
- Spices: A blend of cumin, chili powder (or smoked paprika), cayenne powder, coriander powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt adds amazing flavor to the salmon.
- Olive oil: Helps the rub adhere to the salmon and also ensures the salmon stays super moist as it cooks.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright fresh flavor!
How to make this recipe
- Prep: Heat oven to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place salmon on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Make spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the garlic, cilantro, spices, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add spice mix to salmon: Brush the mixture onto both sides of the salmon. If using salmon with skin on, only brush the top.
- Bake: Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and cilantro before serving.
Expert tips
- Frozen salmon: You can use frozen salmon for this recipe, just be sure to thaw it before adding the seasoning.
- Purchasing salmon: We recommend checking the seafood counter of your grocery store for high-quality salmon. This is a great option because you know it’s fresh and you’ll be able to select fillets of similar size.
- Don’t overcook it: You do NOT want to overcook the salmon! It will be dry and not taste very good. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets. Check the doneness with a thermometer or a fork. Salmon is done when it is opaque and easily flakes. Remove it from the oven when a thermometer reads 140ºF to 145ºF.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to be safe for consumption. The most precise way to ensure doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for doneness by making sure the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Can you eat the skin on salmon?
The skin on salmon is safe to eat and it’s also rich in nutrients, however, most people don’t care for the texture and will opt out of eating the skin. Cook with the skin side down, then easily remove with a fork after cooking. It will be easy to remove when the salmon is warm.
How long does salmon need to bake in the oven?
Salmon typically needs to bake in the oven for at least 15 minutes at 450ºF and no more than 20 minutes, depending on the size of your fillets. Start checking it at the 12-minute mark with an instant read thermometer, to know precisely when to remove it.
Serving suggestions
Baked salmon is great served alongside a variety of different side dish options. Here are some of our favs:
- Vegetables: Double the spicy marinade and marinate your favorite veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, carrots, and potatoes for a complete one-pan meal!
- For a low-carb option serve it with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.
- Serve it with cilantro lime rice or some plain white rice.
- Enjoy it with veggies like air fryer Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer zucchini fries.
- Try it with potatoes like instant pot sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
Storage recommendations
- Storing leftovers: Baked salmon is best enjoyed soon after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the salmon in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just warm, so as to keep it from becoming too dry. You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3 to 5 minutes.
More delicious salmon recipes
- Blackened Salmon
- Honey Garlic Salmon
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Salmon
- One Pan Salmon and Asparagus
- Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Spicy Middle Eastern Baked Salmon
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place salmon on a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic, cilantro, spices, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Brush the mixture onto both sides of the salmon. If using salmon with skin on, only brush the top.
- Bake 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe by: Layla Atik // Gimme Delicious | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
