If you’ve never made Baked Salmon with Mayo, this recipe is a sign that you need to start! Mayonnaise adds fat and moisture as it bakes in the oven, resulting in a soft, flaky fish that’s also bold and flavorful. I add sweet chili sauce to the mayo mixture to impart a little heat and sweetness into the salmon, which pairs well with any side dish.
Jump to:
The flavor in this mayo salmon recipe is impressive and delicious. The garlic and lime add a sharp and tart flavor to balance the richness of the mayonnaise as well as the boldness of the sweet chili sauce. My mouth is watering already!
If you like baked fish recipes, you will love this Baked Cod with Panko and my unbreaded Baked Catfish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s only 5 ingredients: Seafood recipes that don’t require a laundry list of ingredients are the best. You don’t need a complicated recipe for it to be impressive and delicious. This mayo-baked salmon delivers!
- It’s easy to prepare: This salmon with mayo recipe is simple to throw together, too. Even if it’s a busy weeknight or you don't feel like cooking, this is one of my favorite things to make so we can still enjoy a home-cooked meal.
- It’s unique: I had never tried putting mayo on salmon before, and now I’m wondering why I didn’t! It sounds a little out there, but don’t knock it until you try it.
Ingredients
This is everything you’ll need to make this baked salmon with mayonnaise. The mayo mixture has a couple of extra components like lime juice and sweet chili sauce for flavor and to balance the richness.
- Salmon: I use skinless salmon filets because the mayo coating keeps the fish moist as it cooks, and the skin will stay soft and flabby. It’s not as appetizing as crispy skin!
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of full-fat mayonnaise for this recipe. It will add the best flavor.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adding a little sweet and spicy sauce cuts through the richness of the mayo.
- Garlic: I like to add garlic to the mayo mixture for extra flavor. It also adds a lovely aroma.
- Lime: The citrus flavor of the lime juice helps to tenderize the salmon filets. It pairs great with the chili sauce.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Mediterranean: Replace all or some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and add chopped sundried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh herb: Add a medley of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, and basil for an herbaceous version.
- Wasabi: Incorporate some heat by adding a dash of wasabi. A little goes a long way!
How to Make Salmon with Mayo
Here are the instructions you’ll need to make this baked salmon recipe with mayonnaise. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F towards the end of the marinating process, and then, line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
Step 1: Prepare the mayo mixture. Add all of the mayo mixture ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix until they are well combined.
Step 2: Marinate and transfer to the pan. Add your salmon filets and coat them with the mayo mixture. Allow them to marinate for about 30 minutes on the counter before you start cooking. Transfer the marinated salmon to the prepared sheet pan.
Step 3: Bake. Pop the pan in the oven and bake the salmon for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve. Enjoy this baked salmon recipe with mayo over rice or with a side of your choice!
Recipe Tips
- Pat the fish dry: The mayo mixture won’t stick well to wet salmon. Pat the fish dry with paper towels before you marinate it.
- Broil for crispiness: This is an extra optional step that I like to add. Set your oven to broil for 2-4 minutes to get extra color and a crispy texture to the salmon before serving.
- Coat the filets generously: All the flavor is in the sauce, so ensure that you coat the salmon filets very well before you bake them.
If you love recipes like this easy baked salmon, you may also enjoy this Bruschetta Salmon, Sweet Chili Salmon or this Salmon Wellington recipe!
Storage Directions
- Storing: Place any leftover filets in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You may freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: These are best reheated in the oven. You may use the microwave but be aware that it will alter the texture slightly.
- Make Ahead: Prepare your salmon up to 24 hours before dinnertime! Make your marinade and allow the salmon to sit covered in the refrigerator. It will save time when you’re ready to cook it.
Serving Suggestions
- I love salmon with rice, and this spinach rice pairs wonderfully!
- If you want something unique, try this white bean and tomato bake as a side dish.
- Try a simple vegetable accompaniment like air fried frozen Brussels sprouts or smoked asparagus.
- End your meal with an east sweet treat! Oreo Rice Krispies treats are some of the best around.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Preheat it to 400 degrees F and cook the filet for 12-15 minutes or until they are tender and flaky. Cooking salmon in the oven is my go-to, but I do love my air fryer for convenience!
I like to do the fork test! If the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready. You may also use a thermometer. They must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
I like to place the pan in the middle rack for even cooking and browning. I find that if it’s too close to the bottom or top, it can cause the fish to burn.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
Do you like salmon dinner recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Baked Salmon with Mayo
Ingredients
- 4 - 4 oz skinless salmon filets
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- Juice from one lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Add salmon filets, coating them completely in the sauce.
- Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Place marinated salmon filets on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake salmon for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145ºF.
Notes
- Store any leftovers of this mayonnaise salmon recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Check for doneness by testing for flakiness with a fork. Fish that flakes easily is fully cooked!
- Ensure that you pat the salmon filets down thoroughly with paper towels so the mayo mixture sticks to them.
Leave a Reply