How to Bake Salmon with Mayo: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Baking salmon with mayonnaise is a quick, easy and delicious way to prepare fish. The mayo forms a flavorful, moist crust while keeping the delicate salmon extra juicy. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make tender and flaky baked salmon fillets topped with a creamy, tangy mayo mixture in under 30 minutes.

Why Bake Salmon with Mayo?

Using mayonnaise to coat salmon before baking offers several advantages

• Locks in moisture – The mayo seals in the natural juices of the salmon, preventing it from drying out in the oven. This helps ensure a tender, buttery texture.

• Enhances flavor – Mayonnaise provides tangy, creamy flavor to complement the salmon. When seasoned or mixed with herbs, garlic or citrus, it really boosts the taste.

• Browns beautifully – The oil in the mayo promotes caramelization and browning to give the fish a gorgeous crust.

• So fast and easy – With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, dinner comes together in less than 30 minutes start to finish

Mayonnaise is the secret ingredient that takes basic baked salmon to the next level Keep reading to learn how to make perfect salmon baked with mayo every time

Ingredients Needed

Baking salmon coated in mayo requires just a few simple ingredients:

• Salmon fillets – Look for fresh, center-cut fillets without any bones. Skin on or off both work well.

• Mayonnaise – Use plain mayo or flavored aioli like garlic or lemon mayo.

• Herbs (optional) – Fresh dill, parsley, basil or thyme add nice flavor.

• Cheese (optional) – Grated parmesan or feta lend a tasty, savory note.

• Citrus (optional) – Lemon or lime zest and juice brighten up the mayo.

• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the fish.

That’s it! The creamy mayo does most of the work adding moisture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for baking salmon coated with a mayonnaise topping:

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry – Remove any excess moisture with paper towels so the mayo can adhere properly.

2. Season with salt and pepper – Generously season both sides of the fish. This adds flavor and helps the mayo stick.

3. Spread on the mayonnaise – Use a spoon to evenly coat the top of the salmon with mayo. About 1-3 tablespoons per fillet should do it.

4. Top with desired ingredients (optional) – Sprinkle on any herbs, cheese, citrus zest or other toppings if using. Press them lightly into the mayo.

5. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes – Bake until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The timing depends on thickness.

6. Broil for 1-2 minutes (optional) – For extra browning, broil at the very end. Watch closely to avoid burning.

7. Serve warm – Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Enjoy your tasty baked salmon!

Tips for Moist and Flaky Salmon

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results when baking salmon with mayonnaise:

• Dry the fish very well before coating with mayo so it adheres properly. Excess moisture prevents it from sticking.

• Adjust baking times based on thickness. Thinner fillets may need less time while thicker pieces bake longer.

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the mayo for extra moisture and flavor.

• Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F.

• Prevent overcooking by pulling it out of the oven when still slightly underdone in the center. It will continue cooking.

• Broil for just 1-2 minutes at the end for extra browning, if desired. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Flavor Variations

While lemon garlic mayo is a classic topping, feel free to get creative with different herb and seasoning combinations.

• Lemon dill mayo – Fresh dill and lemon zest

• Everything bagel mayo – Poppy seeds, garlic, onion and sesame seeds

• Chipotle mayo – Smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• Pesto mayo – Basil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan

• Sriracha mayo – For a spicy Asian twist

• Cajun mayo – Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper

• Herb mayo – Mixed fresh herbs like thyme, oregano and parsley

What to Serve with Salmon Baked in Mayo

Here are some tasty sides that pair beautifully with salmon fillets topped with creamy mayonnaise:

• Rice – White or brown rice, risotto or quinoa

• Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or asparagus

• Sauteed greens – Spinach, kale or swiss chard

• Salad – Arugula, mixed greens or spinach salad

• Roasted potatoes – Red potatoes, sweet potatoes or fingerlings

For a fast weeknight meal, enjoy the baked salmon with a simple vegetable or salad on the side. It’s elegant enough for entertaining too!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like most seafood, baked salmon with mayo is best fresh, but leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

• Store in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days. The mayo does not freeze well.

• Reheat gently in a 300°F oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice to keep it moist.

• For food safety, only reheat leftovers once. Discard any remaining salmon after reheating.

The rich, creamy mayo topping makes this baked salmon recipe an absolute winner. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a beautiful meal that looks and tastes gourmet. Give it a try!

Baking salmon at 400°F (200°C) is generally preferred for its ability to create a crisper skin and firmer texture while still keeping the salmon moist.