Enjoy an impressive, yet easy dinner with this flaky and sweetly spiced Spicy Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa. It comes together in 20 minutes, making it a healthy easy recipe the whole family will enjoy.

Spicy Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa in a white bowl with green beans

This is one of my best oven baked salmon recipes-- and I don't say that lightly. We eat salmon at least once a week, but this is a recipe I've been making steadily ever since I was 14 years old.

Up-close of spicy baked salmon with mango salsa.

Being a nerdy teenager has its perks, you see: hanging out in front of the stove all the time, I discovered some recipes I'd still be making for years to come.

In the years since I've made many other salmon recipes -- many of which will also make an appearance soon -- but why is this the first salmon recipe I share?

Possibly because of the emotional connection forged through an early-in-life discovery of the possibility to make food I love. Or maybe it's because of the impossibly simple salmon rub. It could also be how beautiful and impressive the dish looks -- like I'd been slaving over it for hours, while actually, it was a quick and easy recipe that only took minutes.

Other reasons why this spicy baked salmon recipe is one of the best oven-baked salmon recipes out there. It...

doesn't use or need lemon
is kid-friendly
delivers heart-healthy omega-3 fats
is easy enough for a weeknight dinner
impresses and is perfect for entertaining
has protein and potassium to help muscles recover from hard workouts
... and is absolutely flavorful and tender

So, here's a healthy and quick salmon recipe that's been almost 20 years in the making -- from my home to yours. I hope you love it and have as many great memories with it as I do.

Spicy baked salmon with mango salsa and blistered green beans in a white bowl.

How do you bake salmon?

The best salmon is baked at high heats for a short period of time. This keeps the fish tender and flaky, but also moist (I know, I hate that word too).

Just place the fish on parchment paper sprayed with non-stick spray and cook 6-8 ounce fillets at 425 degrees, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

What should you serve with salmon?

Ooh, there are so many delicious options! Roasted sweet potatoes are always a great idea, as are blistered green beans (as shown) or my Portuguese Potatoes. Either way, you'll want more neutrally flavored sides because the salmon spice rub and salsa will bring so much flavor.

Why is salmon good for you?

Salmon is good for you because of the host of health benefits it brings! For example, it has omega fatty acids, protein, potassium, and vitamin D not to mention all the other nutrients it bring s !

How much salmon do you need per person?

I usually plan for 6-8 ounces of salmon per adult. If you have kids, I recommend about 4 ounces for each child (And, yes! This salmon recipe is great for kids!).

How to make Spicy Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa

Preheat the oven and line your baking sheet with parchment paper sprayed with non-stick spray.
Lay the salmon filets on the parchment paper at least an inch apart.
Make the easy salmon rub by stirring all the spices together in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the salmon with the rub, dividing it evenly between all the fillets, and spreading the rub around on the fillets so most of the top of the fillet is covered.
Bake the salmon for 11-12 minutes or until the salmon flakes when tested with a fork.
While the salmon bakes: toss together the salsa ingredients in a large bowl and let it marinate until the salmon is out of the oven.
When salmon is done baking dish onto individual plates and scoop mango salsa over it. Serve hot!

4 Salmon Filets

Spicy Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa

Name: Spicy Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 6-8 oz. salmon filets (or about 1.5-2 lbs salmon); Non-stick cooking spray; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon coriander; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 3/4 teaspoon chili powder; 1 mango, chopped into medium size cubes; 1/4 medium red onion, diced; 1/4 cup cilantro, stemmed & chopped; 1/2 lime, juiced; or about 1.25 tablespoons lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 red pepper, diced; 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half; 1/2 jalapeno, diced (optional)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Tender flaky salmon with a sweet & spicy brown sugar rub. Mango salsa brights and balances the whole dish which is ready in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Salmon

4 6-8 oz. salmon filets (or about 1.5-2 lbs salmon)
Non-stick cooking spray

Easy Spice Rub

2 tablespoons brown sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
¼ teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon chili powder

1 mango, chopped into medium size cubes
¼ medium red onion, diced
¼ cup cilantro, stemmed & chopped
½ lime, juiced; or about 1.25 tablespoons lime juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ red pepper, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
½ jalapeno, diced (optional)

Instructions

Bake the Salmon

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a small to medium size baking sheet with parchment paper. Then spray the paper lightly with non-stick spray.
In a small bowl mix together all of the spice rub ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Lay the salmon on the parchment paper at least an inch from each other.
Divide the rub evenly between the 4 fillets, sprinkling it on and then spreading and pressing the rub into the salmon lightly.
Bake the salmon for 11-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes when tested with a fork.

While the salmon bakes:

Toss together the salsa ingredients in a medium size bowl and let rest while the salmon finishes up baking.

To Serve:

Move salmon filets to plates or large bowls and spoon mango salsa generously over. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Leftovers stored covered in the fridge for only 1 day after so make sure to eat up immediately or just halve the recipe when you make it.
The freshness of the fish directly affects how good the fish is going to taste so make sure to get the best dates possible on your fish when you purchase them.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1 fillet & ¾ cup salsa
Amount Per Serving Calories 525Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 19gProtein 25g

This nutrition breakdown is an estimate of the nutritional value of this recipe and cannot be taken as facts. The owners of Mae's Menu are not nutritionists or dieticians and therefore cannot be held accountable for this nutrition estimate. Please contact your nutritionist or medical professional for a nutritional breakdown of this food. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Spicy Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa Recipe