Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a baking dish
Pat salmon dry with paper towels
Season salmon with salt and black pepper
Add optional flavor: lemon slices, garlic, dill, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil
Place salmon on the prepared sheet or in the baking dish skin-side down
Bake until just cooked:
10–12 minutes for 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick fillets
12–15 minutes for thicker fillets (adjust as needed)
Check doneness: salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach 125–130°F (52–54°C) in the thickest part for medium
Optional glaze (last 3–5 minutes): brush with honey-dijon, maple-soy, or teriyaki
Remove from oven and rest 2 minutes
Serve with fresh lemon juice and herbs