Thereβs something magical about salmon recipes baked to perfection, where the fish transforms into a succulent delight that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into flaky, tender salmon infused with zesty lemon and herbs, all while your kitchen fills with a tantalizing aroma that lures everyone to the dining table. Itβs like a culinary hug for your soul, promising warmth and comfort in every bite.
This dish isnβt just for fancy dinner parties; itβs perfect for cozy weeknights when you want something effortless yet impressive. Picture your family gathered around the table, eyes sparkling as they devour this delicious creation. As you serve up this salmon masterpiece, youβll be greeted with cheers and maybe even a round of applause. Ah, the sweet sound of success!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This salmon recipe baked offers incredible flavor without complicated steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors will brighten up any plate, turning an ordinary meal into a feast
- It pairs beautifully with various sides, allowing endless culinary creativity
- You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute dinner plans!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friendβs dinner party where everyone raved about my salmon dishβeveryone had seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Salmon Fillets: Look for bright, firm fillets with no brown spots for the best flavor and freshness.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright acidity that enhances the salmonβs flavor.
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Garlic Cloves: Use minced fresh garlic for an aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
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Fresh Herbs (like Dill or Parsley): Choose vibrant herbs for garnishing and freshening up the flavors in the dish.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil keeps the fish moist during baking.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings make all the difference in enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). This temperature ensures even cooking throughout the fish.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Season Salmon: Lay the fresh salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish. Drizzle with olive oil before generously sprinkling salt and pepper over them to enhance their natural taste.
Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic and lemon juice. Spoon this mixture over each fillet to infuse flavor while baking.
Bake Salmon: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has turned a lovely pink hue.
Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over your beautiful baked salmon. Serve immediately while still warmβyour guests will be begging for more!
You Must Know
- This salmon recipe baked in the oven is not just delicious; itβs a dinner game-changer
- The flaky texture combined with rich flavors will make your taste buds dance
- Itβs perfect for weeknight meals and impressing dinner guests without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400Β°F. Arrange the salmon on a lined baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for optimal cooking. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, guaranteeing juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon slices for orange or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving can elevate the dishβs flavor profile, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350Β°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always check your salmonβs doneness with a fork; it should flake easily when done
- Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the fish and ruin its texture
- Using parchment paper can make cleanup effortless while keeping the fish from sticking
Cooking this salmon recipe baked brought back memories of family dinners where compliments flew around the table like confettiβeveryone loved it!
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it completely before baking for even cooking results.
What side dishes pair well with baked salmon?
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when my salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a delightful baked salmon dish thatβs both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Tender salmon fillets are infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, creating an irresistible meal thatβs perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that not only impresses but also fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma. Gather your family around the table for a comforting culinary experience theyβll be asking for again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic and lemon juice; spoon over each fillet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping lemon slices with orange or drizzling balsamic glaze before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently to maintain moisture.