Are you looking for an easy and healthy way to make salmon the star of your dinner party? Look no further than this oven-baked salmon recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and around 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have perfectly moist and flavorful salmon fillets on your table.
Salmon is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This versatile fish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal gathering. Whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends, your guests will be impressed by this easy and delicious baked salmon recipe.
So, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, get your ingredients ready, and let’s get started on this easy baked salmon recipe that is sure to become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen, I’ll be straight with you – this baked salmon recipe is a game-changer. You might think that salmon is boring or difficult to cook, but trust me when I say that this recipe will blow your mind.
First off, salmon fillets are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and so much more. And when you bake them just right, they become tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious.
But why settle for plain old baked fish when you can have THIS baked salmon recipe? We’ve taken all the best ingredients and combined them into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Fresh parsley, lemon juice, garlic cloves – it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth. And we haven’t even gotten to the dried basil, ground black pepper, and salt yet.
Plus, this recipe is so easy to make. All you need is some light olive oil and a non-stick baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and let that bad boy heat up while you get the salmon ready. Rub it down with some olive oil and seasonings, then pop it in the oven for just 12-15 minutes.
That’s it. Easy peasy lemon squeezy (literally). And the end result is a beautiful tray of perfectly cooked salmon fillets that you’ll be proud to serve to your family or guests.
So if you want to wow your taste buds and impress everyone at your dinner party (or even just yourself), give this baked salmon recipe a try. Trust me – once you go baked salmon, you’ll never go back.
Ingredient List
Now let’s gather the ingredients for this delicious baked salmon recipe.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp of light olive oil
- Juice from one lemon
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Note: When buying salmon, make sure to choose fresh fillets with a bright color and shiny skin. Wild-caught salmon is a healthier and more sustainable option than farmed salmon.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to whip up a mouthwatering batch of baked salmon. Follow these simple instructions for a satisfying meal.
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F
- Line a non-stick baking sheet or use a sheet lined with foil.
- Take your salmon fillets out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pat them dry with paper towels.
Season Your Salmon
- Rub the salmon fillets with 1-2 tablespoons of light olive oil.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried basil on both sides.
- If you like garlic, add 1-2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic on top of the seasoned fillets.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the tops of the pieces.
A quick alternative which is as easy: Brush on some honey mustard or glaze it with brown sugar and dijon mustard mixture.
Place in Oven and Bake
- Once pre-heated, put the salmon in the oven.
- Bake at 400°F /205°C for 12-15 min (depending on thickness).
- Remove from the oven when fully cooked (pink coloured flesh turned into opaque) or bake longer if your fillets are thicker than an inch.
Optional Garnish
- Garnish with chopped parsley/cilantro/scallions/onions after taking out of oven.
Time-consuming but worth it: topping baked salmon with pesto sauce/cheesy cream cheese/parmesan cheese citrus sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with the Baked Salmon Recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try out.
One substitution you could make is swapping out the dried basil for fresh thyme or rosemary. The cooking time and temperature will remain the same, but you’ll get a slightly different flavor profile with each herb choice.
For a sweeter twist, you could try making a honey lemon glaze by whisking together honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Brush the glaze on top of the salmon fillets during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for a deliciously sticky coating.
Another variation is to create a spicy cajun crust by mixing together cajun seasoning, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Press the mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet before baking for a crispy texture and spicy kick.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add an international flare to your recipe, try incorporating some Japanese or Indian flavors. For Japanese-inspired salmon, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to make a teriyaki-like glaze. For Indian-spiced salmon, mix together yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful marinade.
You can also experiment with different sides and toppings for serving. Some great options include roasted asparagus or glazed carrots. For a creamier topping, mix together cream cheese with some fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this Baked Salmon Recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out your own unique spin on this dish!
Serving and Pairing
So you have mastered the art of making the perfect oven-baked salmon, congratulation! But now the question is, what to serve with it? There are multiple options when it comes to pairing your baked salmon with side dishes. It all depends on your preferred taste and preference.
One classic way to serve oven-baked salmon is with a side of crisp roasted asparagus. You can also add some lemon garlic butter to the asparagus for some added flavor. Another popular choice is a simple green salad served with vinaigrette dressing, which pairs well with the lightness and healthy appeal of salmon.
If you like something sweet to balance out the savory flavors in baked salmon, consider adding some honey glazed roasted carrots or sweet potato wedges that have been drizzled with olive oil and seasoned lightly.
For those who prefer an Indian twist, a bowl of spicy basmati rice or Indian style chana masala would be a perfect choice. And if you’re into the Japanese cuisine, a side of edamame or miso soup would make an excellent pair for the fish.
Lastly, it always pays off to think seasonal when planning your menu. If it’s winter time or during Christmas season, a side dish of cheesy garlic mashed potatoes would be splendid while in summer or spring, try serving grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell pepper.
Whatever you choose to make along with your baked salmon can either balance out its subtle flavors or bring out its distinctive taste even further. Regardless of your preference, there’s no doubt that this easy healthy dish can be enjoyed perfectly alongside several other options.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Baked salmon can be easily reheated and stored for later use. Once you’ve cooked your salmon, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep the salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to make the salmon ahead of time, you can prepare the marinade and coat the salmon with it the day before. After coating it, wrap the salmon fillets tightly in foil and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
When reheating leftover baked salmon, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, place your salmon on a non-stick baking sheet, and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the salmon in a microwave by placing it on a microwave-safe dish and cooking it on high for 1-2 minutes.
To add some extra flavor to your reheated salmon, consider creating a simple sauce to go along with it. A mixture of honey, lemon juice, and mayo makes for a deliciously tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with baked salmon. Alternatively, a creamy garlic butter or pesto sauce can also be used to add more depth of flavor.
Overall, baked salmon is an easy and convenient dish that can easily be reheated for later use. With its amazing flavor and healthy benefits, this easy-to-store recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick dinner or an impressive holiday feast!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your baked salmon comes out perfect every time, here are some tips you might consider:
First, make sure you preheat your oven to 400°F before baking the salmon. This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and the skin gets crispy if you’re leaving it on.
Be sure to line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This way, you don’t have to worry about any stuck pieces of salmon.
Before baking, rub salmon fillets with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This gives added flavor to the fish without overpowering it.
When placing the salmon on the baking sheet, make sure to place it skin-side down to prevent sticking to the sheet. If you prefer skinless salmon, no need to worry about this step.
For even cooking, aim for a thickness of about 1-2 inches for your salmon fillets. Adjust your cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner cuts.
If you want to jazz up your baked salmon recipe, try substituting the dried basil with other herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also add a little heat by sprinkling some cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes on top.
Don’t forget to let your baked salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the fish to redistribute throughout and lock in all its flavors.
And finally, experiment with different sauce variations like maple glaze or lemon garlic butter until you find one that complements your taste buds perfectly!
FAQ
In this section, I will address some frequently asked questions regarding this baked salmon recipe. The aim is to provide clarification on certain aspects of the recipe that may seem confusing. These FAQs will also guide you in making substitutions and variations to the recipe to suit your taste and dietary requirements. Read on for more details.
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
When it comes to baking salmon, what temperature is best? From my experience, 400°F (205°C) works wonders as it gives the fish a beautiful colour and the skin a crispy texture. However, if you want a gentler approach, you can go with 350°F (175°C) for around 20-25 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quicker method that produces creamy, tender fillets, you can bake the salmon at 425°F (215°C).
Is it better to bake salmon at 375 or 400?
When it comes to cooking salmon just right, the temperature of your oven is crucial. Depending on the size of your fillet, you’ll want to aim for a temperature range of 375-425 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller, individual portions, I recommend setting the temperature at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve that perfect, flaky texture. Keep this in mind the next time you’re preparing your favorite salmon dish! By sticking to the appropriate temperature range, you’re sure to impress your dinner guests.
How long does it take to cook salmon in the oven?
Alright, first things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 450 degrees F. While it’s heating up, it’s time to get our salmon in order. Season it up with some tasty salt and a touch of pepper. Then, place that salmon on a non-stick baking sheet or in a non-stick pan with an oven-proof handle. Pop it in that preheated oven and let it bake until it’s cooked through. Depending on the size of the fillet, this should take around 12 to 15 minutes.
What temperature should salmon be baked at?
When it comes to cooking salmon, I recommend preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For 6-ounce fillets, bake them for 11 to 14 minutes. If you’re cooking a single side, bake it for 15 to 18 minutes. To ensure the salmon is fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish. Once it registers 135 degrees Fahrenheit, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender piece of salmon. Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet, so use the thermometer as your guide.
Bottom Line
:
Trust me, this baked salmon recipe is a game-changer! It is easy, healthy and delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Impress your guests at your next dinner party or treat yourself to a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to put your own personal twist on this recipe. Whether you try a tangy lemon garlic baked salmon one day or go for a spicy cajun crusted salmon the next, you won’t regret it.
So preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, gather your ingredients, and get ready to wow your taste buds. I promise you won’t be disappointed with this easy, delicious, and healthy recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.
Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 (6 ounce) salmon fillets
Instructions
- In a medium glass bowl, prepare marinade by mixing garlic, light olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and parsley.
- Place salmon fillets in a medium glass baking dish, and cover with the marinade.
- Marinate in the refrigerator about 1 hour, turning occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Place fillets in aluminum foil, cover with marinade, and seal.
- Place sealed salmon in the glass dish, and bake 35 to 45 minutes, until easily flaked with a fork.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!