Baked Salmon Recipe
This baked salmon recipe harnesses the aromatic powers of garlic, lemon, and herbs to bring out the natural richness of the fish. Ideal for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, it combines health benefits with culinary pleasure. The entire process, from preparation to serving, takes about an hour and a half, making it an efficient choice for those seeking flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients List
The essence of this dish lies in its simplicity. You’ll need basic yet flavorful components such as:
- Light olive oil for its mild, unobtrusive taste.
- Fresh garlic and lemon juice, which inject zest and vigor.
- Freshly chopped parsley and dried basil, offering a herby backdrop.
- Standard seasonings of salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
For those with dietary preferences or allergies, consider substituting olive oil with avocado oil, and if fresh parsley isn’t available, dried can suffice in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Marinade:
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until the mixture is well amalgamated.
Marinating the Salmon:
Lay the salmon fillets in a non-reactive dish and drench them with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate, turning the fillets once or twice to ensure they are thoroughly saturated with the marinade.
Baking the Salmon:
Preheat your oven as the salmon chills. Wrap the marinated fillets in aluminum foil, creating a pouch to keep the moisture in. Bake until the salmon is tender, which should take between 35 to 45 minutes.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Selecting the Best Salmon: Opt for fresh, bright, and slightly firm fillets. The skin should be shiny and spring back when touched.
- Marinade Mastery: For optimal flavor, ensure the marinade covers the salmon entirely. Letting it sit for a while enhances depth and richness.
- Storing Leftover Salmon: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, and consume within three days.
- Advance Preparation of Marinade: Yes, the marinade can be made a day ahead, which may intensify the flavors even more.
What to Serve with This Recipe
Pair this succulent salmon with light side dishes such as steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or wild rice complement the fish beautifully. Wine enthusiasts might enjoy a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which balances the richness of the salmon with its crisp acidity.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this baked salmon is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your health. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, it supports heart health and overall wellness.
This baked salmon recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether sticking to the basics or experimenting with spices like dill or tarragon, each variation offers a new experience. So why not give it a try tonight and add a burst of flavor to your dinner routine? Enjoy the simplicity, savor the taste, and make the most of your cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons light olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
2 (6 ounce) fillets salmon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Begin by creating the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the light olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Next, place the salmon fillets in a small baking dish made of glass or ceramic. Gently pour the prepared marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Cover the dish and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator. During this marinating period, which should last about an hour, turn the fillets occasionally to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade.
While the salmon marinates, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Prepare the salmon for baking by placing each marinated fillet onto a large piece of aluminum foil. Spoon any remaining marinade over the fillets. Carefully seal the foil around the salmon, ensuring it is completely enclosed. This will help lock in moisture and flavor during the baking process.
Place the foil-wrapped salmon on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until the fish is tender and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets to reveal the beautifully baked salmon. Serve the fillets hot, garnished with a slice of lemon for an added touch of freshness. Enjoy your delicious, herb-infused salmon meal!
Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 6 ounce fillets salmon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by creating the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the light olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- Next, place the salmon fillets in a small baking dish made of glass or ceramic. Gently pour the prepared marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Cover the dish and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator. During this marinating period, which should last about an hour, turn the fillets occasionally to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade.
- While the salmon marinates, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Prepare the salmon for baking by placing each marinated fillet onto a large piece of aluminum foil. Spoon any remaining marinade over the fillets. Carefully seal the foil around the salmon, ensuring it is completely enclosed. This will help lock in moisture and flavor during the baking process.
- Place the foil-wrapped salmon on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until the fish is tender and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets to reveal the beautifully baked salmon. Serve the fillets hot, garnished with a slice of lemon for an added touch of freshness. Enjoy your delicious, herb-infused salmon meal!
