Name: Oven-Baked Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 large skin-on salmon fillet (about 3 lb.); 2 lemons (thinly sliced); 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter (melted); 2 Tbsp. honey; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Kosher salt (to taste); for serving Finely chopped fresh parsley

Introduction to Oven Baked Salmon

Oven baked salmon is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that combines simplicity with elegance. If you're looking for a quick, nutritious dinner option, this recipe is your best friend. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and brain function. Just imagine sitting down to a beautifully cooked fillet that’s not only delectable but also good for you!

Why Choose Oven Baked Salmon for Dinner?

Opting for oven baked salmon means you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can whip up a meal that feels gourmet. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a grain like quinoa, the flavors meld beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.

Health Benefits: Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with protein and essential vitamins.
Quick Preparation: In just about 25 minutes, you can serve a dish that wows.
Flavorful Options: Personalize your salmon with herbs, spices, and sauces to suit your palate.

If you’re looking for a delicious way to nourish your body and impress your dining companions, oven baked salmon is the way to go! To dive deeper into this recipe, be sure to check out the full cooking instructions in our gourmet guide.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Salmon

When it comes to crafting a mouthwatering oven baked salmon, having the right ingredients is essential. Here's what you'll need to get started:

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Salmon

2 lemons, thinly sliced, for that fresh zing
1 large skin-on salmon fillet (about 3 lb.), the star of your dish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season to perfection
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, adding aromatic depth
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for richness
2 tablespoons honey, for a touch of sweetness

These core ingredients are simple yet effective, ensuring your salmon is not just cooked but bursting with flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

1 teaspoon dried oregano, for an earthy note
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, enhancing freshness
Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, bringing a pop of color

Feel free to experiment with these optional ingredients. They can elevate your oven baked salmon from delightful to extraordinary! For more ways to enhance your cooking, check out resources from the Food Network for inspiration. Happy baking!

Preparing Oven Baked Salmon

Oven-baked salmon is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect dish for young professionals with a busy lifestyle. Let’s break down the steps to ensure you achieve flaky, flavorful salmon that will impress anyone around your dinner table.

Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

To get started, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. For a delightful oven-baked salmon, you’ll need:

2 lemons, thinly sliced
1 large skin-on salmon fillet (about 3 lb.)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all of these at hand before you begin for a smooth cooking experience. Fresh ingredients will make a significant difference in the flavor of your oven-baked salmon.

Set Up Your Baking Sheet

Now, let’s talk about the setup. You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. This is not just for easy cleanup; lining with foil also helps retain moisture while cooking. Next, layer a piece of parchment paper on top of the foil to prevent any interaction with the lemon slices that will be placed directly on it.

Prepping the Salmon Fillet

Once your baking sheet is ready, it’s time to prep your salmon. Gently rinse the fillet under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the salmon and set the stage for the delicious marinade.

Mix Your Flavor-Enhancing Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, melted butter, honey, oregano, and thyme. This mix is where the magic happens. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor that complements the oven-baked salmon. Pour this luscious marinade over the seasoned fillet, ensuring every inch is covered.

Assemble the Salmon for Baking

Now comes the fun part! Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on top of the lemon slices arranged on your parchment. Fold up the sides of your parchment and foil, creating a tent-like cover for the salmon. This helps keep moisture in while it bakes, ensuring you get that perfectly flaky texture.

Bake and Broil for Optimal Texture

Put your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know your salmon is ready when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For that perfectly browned top, turn on the broiler for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!

Once done, transfer the salmon and lemon slices to a platter, and garnish with fresh parsley. There you have it—a stunning and mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!

For more cooking tips and ideas on how to enjoy salmon, consider checking with the American Heart Association for healthful nutrition information. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked salmon dinner!

Variations on Oven Baked Salmon

When it comes to oven baked salmon, there’s no shortage of delicious twists you can put on this classic dish. Here are two mindful variations that elevate the flavor while keeping dinner quick and simple.

Mediterranean Herb Salmon

This version of oven baked salmon infuses the fish with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Simply blend olive oil, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Brush it over the salmon before baking, and serve with a fresh side salad and crusty bread for a delightful experience.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon

If you’re craving something a tad sweet but savory, try a honey mustard glaze. Whisk together equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, then brush it over the salmon before popping it in the oven. This adds a subtle tanginess to your oven baked salmon that pairs well with roasted veggies or steamed rice.

These easy variations can keep your oven baked salmon exciting for your weeknight meals! Want more creative seafood recipes? Check out this article on seafood innovations.

Cooking Tips for Oven Baked Salmon

Temperature Control Tips

Perfectly oven baked salmon hinges on achieving the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F for an even cooking experience. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperatures. For best results, aim for an internal salmon temperature of 145°F, which guarantees a juicy and flaky texture. Also, letting the fillet rest for a few minutes post-baking allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor.

Flipping the Salmon: To Flip or Not to Flip?

When it comes to flipping your oven baked salmon, you can skip the hassle! The skin acts as a natural barrier, holding in moisture and preventing sticking. Leave it skin-side down and let the oven do the work. If you want extra crispiness, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end. For more guidance on cooking fish perfectly, check out this article on The Spruce Eats. Enjoy your meal!

Serving suggestions for Oven Baked Salmon

Pairing with sides like roasted vegetables

Oven-baked salmon is incredibly versatile, and what better way to complement its rich flavor than with some delicious roasted vegetables? Try pairing it with seasonal veggies like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes. They’ll soak up the savory notes of the salmon, creating a well-rounded plate that pleases your taste buds.

Making a salmon salad or sandwich

Transform your leftover oven-baked salmon into a light, zesty salad or sandwich for lunch the next day! Flake the salmon and mix it with arugula, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing salad. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, layer it on whole-grain bread with a spread of Greek yogurt and capers. It’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for a busy workweek.

For more serving ideas, check out articles on The Kitchn or EatingWell.

Time Breakdown for Oven Baked Salmon

Preparation Time

In just 10 minutes, you can have everything prepped and ready to go for your oven baked salmon. Start by preheating your oven and arranging those flavorful lemon slices.

Cooking Time

It takes approximately 25 minutes to cook the salmon to perfection, and a quick broil at the end will give it that beautiful golden finish.

Total Time

From start to finish, you're looking at a total time of 35 minutes. That's pretty impressive for a dish that looks and tastes gourmet!

For tips on mastering your oven baked salmon, check out this great resource from Delish. Cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be extraordinary!

Nutritional Facts for Oven Baked Salmon

When it comes to a healthy meal choice, oven baked salmon is hard to beat! Here’s a quick look at its nutritional offerings:

Calories

A serving of oven baked salmon packs around 911 calories. It's a hearty meal that can provide much-needed energy, especially after a long day at work.

Protein

With approximately 50 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a fantastic way to meet your daily protein goals. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making this salmon dish a perfect post-workout meal.

Healthy Fats

Not only does salmon taste great, but it also contains about 60 grams of healthy fats, primarily omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are known for promoting heart health and supporting brain function, making oven baked salmon a smart addition to your diet.

Extra Nutritional Insights

In addition to the main macronutrients, salmon is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and selenium, which are beneficial for your overall health. For more on the benefits of omega-3s, check out this Harvard Health Blog article.

Choosing to include oven baked salmon in your weekly menu is a flavorful way to fuel your body with what it needs!

FAQs about Oven Baked Salmon

How do I know when the salmon is done?
One of the best ways to check for doneness in oven baked salmon is to look for the key signs: the flesh should be opaque, and it should easily flake with a fork. A cooking thermometer can come in handy; the internal temperature should reach 145°F. Keep in mind, broiling it for a few minutes at the end gives it that beautiful color and extra flavor!

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen salmon thoroughly before baking. Thawing can be done in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the texture.

What sides pair best with salmon?
A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic mashed potatoes complement oven baked salmon beautifully. You could also try quinoa or rice for a hearty side. Looking for more ideas? Check out food blogs like Minimalist Baker for inspiration!

Conclusion on Oven Baked Salmon

In summary, oven baked salmon is not only a delightful and quick dinner option but also a nutritious choice packed with omega-3 fatty acids. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy restaurant-quality salmon right at home. Don't hesitate—try this recipe to elevate your weeknight meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 25 minutes!
Simple Ingredients: Use fresh items you likely have on hand.
Flavorful and Healthy: A great source of protein and essential nutrients.

For more culinary inspiration, check out Delish’s healthy salmon recipes for variations that will keep your meals exciting!