To ensure that you have the perfect oven baked salmon recipe, fresh ingredients are critical. Whether you want a healthy protein rich meal or an easy dinner recipe or want to treat someone with yummy dish than oven baked salmon recipe is a right choice. It’s healthy, easy, protein rich and delicious too! Try and let me know how you liked it.
To a get a perfect dish you need few ingredients perfectly blended together with herbs and spices. For this oven baked salmon recipe to come out nicely you need these important ingredients..
Fresh Salmon
Fresh Atlantic Salmon – a popular seafood choice caught in the North Atlantic and enjoyed worldwide! It’s not only delicious, but also offers many health benefits. Some of these include: Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, Vitamin B12, and selenium. The American Heart Association even found that consuming salmon can improve cardiovascular health. And let’s not forget the unbeatable combo of salt and pepper, the dynamic duo of seasonings, with more flavor and less spandex!
Olive oil
Golden olive oil is created by crushing and pressing olives. It’s flavor can differ depending on the type of olives used. It has a robust taste and aroma, making it perfect for dressings, marinades, and sautéed dishes.
Olive oil adds a unique flair to Mediterranean cuisine. But it doesn’t stop there! It’s also used in desserts like cakes and cookies. Plus, it’s incredibly nutritious, with studies suggesting its use may reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Extra-virgin olive oil has even more benefits, such as high anti-oxidant levels due to minimal processing. These options can have unique flavors like artichoke or grassy undertones, but be sure to store it in a cool, dark place away from light to avoid rancidity.
Don’t miss out on the amazing benefits of olive oil! Try using it instead of butter or vegetable oils, to enhance your meal’s nutritional value while adding flavor!
Lemon
This citrus fruit is a cooking must-have! Its acidic flavor and aromatic peel make it ideal. Squeeze lemon juice on salads and fish, or use it as a preservative. Plus, lemon zest adds a tangy kick to cakes, cookies, and sauces. Vitamin C in lemons boosts your immune system and digestion too. Lemons may be sour, but they always make a citrusy statement in any dish.
Pro Tip: To get the most juice from lemons, roll them on a hard surface beforehand.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a pungent and flavorful staple in many cuisines. It belongs to the same family as onions, shallots, and leeks.
It has been used for centuries due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming garlic regularly can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
It adds depth to dishes such as soups, sauces, marinades, and dressings. Raw garlic can be overpowering, but it mellows out when cooked or roasted. The thin papery skin needs to be removed before use. Store it in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight.
Garlic’s popularity goes beyond the kitchen. It is believed to cure colds, insect bites, and even evil spirits. When exposed to heat or acid, garlic releases allicin – a compound responsible for its health benefits.
To maximize the potential benefits, mince the garlic for salads, crush it for releasing more allicin, and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking. Enjoy the preparation and pair it with a glass of wine!
Oven Baked Salmon
Prep. Time: 10Min. Cook Time: 20Min. Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 2 (2-pound) whole salmon
- 6 tablespoons melted butter OR olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil
- 2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium lemon
Directions
- To prepare oven-baked salmon, preheat the oven to 375degrees.
- Start by washing and drying the salmon.
- Arrange salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stir together melted butter, minced garlic, herbs, and juice of 1/2 lemon. Spoon over salmon fillets being sure to rub all over the tops and sides of the salmon so it has no dry spots. Thinly slice remaining 1/2 of lemon and top each piece of salmon with a slice of lemon.
- Bake salmon for 15-22 minutes, depending on preferred doneness. Baste salmon with juices halfway through baking, if desired. Once done, remove salmon from oven and rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and serve.
Nutritional Value: 310kcal.
Tips
Elevate the flavor and moisture of salmon with a light coat of olive oil.
Cleanse the fillet under running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Use a cooking brush to lightly apply 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil on both sides of the fillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper for best taste. Cook according to the recipe or preference (grill, broil, bake or pan-fry).
Olive oil helps transfer heat during cooking which is why professional chefs use this method. Be careful not to apply too much oil, as it may lead to excessive smoke and fire hazards. Add lemon and garlic for an extra kick of flavor!
Add lemon and garlic for extra flavor
Elevate your flavor profile with a dash of lemon and garlic! It’s a great way to add tangy citrus notes and a strong aroma. Together, they create a unique culinary experience. Oregano and thyme are also great spices to pair with them. Plus, these compounds have immunity-supporting properties. So, enjoy mouthwatering meals with a few essential herbs and spices. Who needs therapy when you can just bake your problems away?
The yummy smell of bread and the sense of accomplishment it brings is unbeatable.
Check for doneness by flaking the salmon with a fork
To ensure your salmon is cooked perfectly, use a gentle touch and flake it with a fork. Follow these four steps:
- Press down on the thickest part of the salmon with a fork.
- Gently twist the fork and pry apart the flesh.
- If it flakes easily, it’s cooked – take it off the heat.
- If it doesn’t flake, put it back on the heat for more time.
For extra safety, double-check with a cooking thermometer – the salmon should be at 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember to consider the type of salmon you’re using. Lighter varieties such as Coho and sockeye cook faster than king or Atlantic species. Flaking is a great way to get precision in baking.
When I first started baking at home, flaking helped me get perfect results. I knew my friends were coming over, so I tested each fillet carefully – no overcooking or undercooking! One whiff of the delicious aroma and I just had to devour it.
Be careful not to under- or over-cook. Use metal spatulas, not plastic ones.
Let the salmon rest before serving
For maximum flavor and texture, rest the oven baked salmon before serving. Cover the cooked salmon with foil, then leave it to sit for a few minutes. This will let residual heat cook the salmon and redistribute its juices. Also, it’ll be easier to remove the skin, if desired.
Place the salmon on a flat surface to catch any juices that may escape. Don’t leave it in the oven or on heat source for too long, else it’ll turn dry and rubbery. Instead, transfer it quickly and cover with foil. Cooking times vary with thickness, so watch your fish closely during preparation.
Pro Tip: Use a digital instant-read thermometer for accurate readings and perfect results! Have patience when cooking salmon – let it rest before you eat it up!
Also try: Vegan Keto falafel- High Protein recipe
Variations
To add variety to your oven baked salmon recipe, try out these solutions with Honey Mustard Glaze, Teriyaki Glaze, and Pesto Topping. Get ready to elevate your salmon game with these three delicious sub-sections under Variations in the Oven Baked Salmon Recipe.
Honey Mustard Glaze
A Delightful Combination of Honey and Mustard for the Perfect Glaze!
The Honey Mustard glaze is a well-loved sauce. It combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard. It is a very useful ingredient used to improve the taste of many dishes.
- Grilled chicken or pork can be even tastier with this glaze.
- It is also a great dressing for salads, adding zing to them!
- Honey Mustard glazed salmon is a delicious meal too.
- The glaze can even be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings or veggies.
The Honey Mustard glaze has many health benefits. It contains antioxidants and natural antibacterial properties to promote wellness. Try substituting traditional honey with flavored varieties like lavender or cinnamon. Mix in different mustards, such as dijon or spicy brown, for a more exciting flavor.
Using these ideas, you can make any dish special with the Honey Mustard Glaze. Its unique taste and versatility make it a kitchen essential.
Teriyaki Glaze
Teriyaki sauce has a unique umami taste. It’s made by combining soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. It’s great for adding flavor to grilled meats, stir-fried veggies, and rice bowls.
Here are 4 variations of teriyaki sauce:
- Honey Teriyaki – made sweeter with honey
- Spicy Teriyaki – adds chili flakes or Sriracha
- Pineapple Teriyaki – pineapple juice for a tropical twist
- Vegan Teriyaki – vegetable broth instead of mirin & sake
For authentic Japanese taste, use Kikkoman soy sauce. You can also thicken teriyaki sauce with cornstarch.
Pro Tip: Marinate your protein in teriyaki sauce before cooking. It’ll add more flavor to your dish.
The possibilities are endless – explore and test new ideas! Unlock new dimensions of flavor with creativity and experimentation.
Conclusion
For seafood-lovers, oven-baked salmon recipe is a yummy and nutritious option. Composed of simple ingredients, it’s become a chef favorite worldwide. Add sides and garnishes to make it even better!
Salmon not only tastes great, but it’s also good for you. It’s packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Even novice cooks can make this dish and look like a pro! Legend says baked salmon was invented by Native American tribes. They smoked or baked their fish over peat fires during the salmon runs.
This recipe can be tailored to your taste – you can experiment with different flavors and wow your guests!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make oven baked salmon?
You will need fresh salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon, and your choice of seasonings.
How should I season my oven baked salmon?
You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic, basil, thyme, rosemary, dill, and paprika. Simply mix the seasonings with olive oil and spread the mixture over the salmon before baking.
What temperature should I set my oven to when baking salmon?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for perfectly baked salmon.
How long does salmon need to bake in the oven?
Cook salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The internal temperature of the salmon should read 145°F (63°C) for it to be fully cooked.
Can I bake salmon with vegetables?
Yes, you can bake salmon and your favorite vegetables on the same sheet pan for a healthy and easy meal. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly.