Baked Salmon Recipe

This baked salmon recipe is perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. It was my inaugural attempt at cooking fish, and it turned out to be a smashing success. Impressively, even my 9-year-old daughter, who typically steers clear of fish, ended up enjoying half of my serving!

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baked Salmon Recipe

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 1 50

Servings:

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!

Notes

For those new to cooking salmon, this recipe offers a foolproof approach that guarantees delicious results. Remember, the key to perfect baked salmon lies in the freshness of the ingredients and not overcooking the fish. To enhance the dish's flavor, let the salmon marinate for a full hour if time permits, allowing the aromas of garlic and herbs to fully permeate the fillets. This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also introduces a delightful way to enjoy seafood, even for the pickiest eaters like young children. Happy cooking!