Easy Baked Salmon: Simple Yet Delicious Best 1
Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you looking for a no-fuss dinner option that delivers on both nutrition and flavor? Our Easy Baked Salmon recipe is the answer to your mealtime dilemmas. This straightforward yet delicious dish features perfectly cooked salmon with a crisp exterior and moist, flaky interior that will have everyone asking for seconds. What makes this Easy Baked Salmon recipe truly special is its versatility and reliability—even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results every single time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight family dinner or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this Easy Baked Salmon from www.dailymeatrecipe.com delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 4 (6 oz each) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon | 1, half juiced and half sliced |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Fresh dill, chopped | 2 tablespoons (plus more for garnish) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons, melted (optional) |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 410mg |
| Cholesterol | 94mg |
*Nutrition information is based on the basic recipe without optional ingredients and is approximate.
Preparation Instructions
Easy Baked Salmon Recipe Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the seasonings stick better, ensuring your Easy Baked Salmon gets a nice exterior.
- Season the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it all over the fillets to coat evenly.
- Add flavor: Sprinkle the salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then evenly distribute the minced garlic and chopped dill over each fillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
- Optional flavor boost: If using, combine melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, then brush this mixture over the seasoned salmon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add lemon slices: Place lemon slices on top of or alongside the salmon fillets. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the salmon moist during baking.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness.
- Check for doneness: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the Easy Baked Salmon from the oven and let it rest for about 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Complement your Easy Baked Salmon with these delicious sides and presentation ideas:
- Serve over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices
- Pair with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a nutritious complete meal
- Accompany with a fresh green salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette
- Offer with steamed rice pilaf infused with herbs for an elegant presentation
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted baby potatoes seasoned with herbs
- Create a Mediterranean-inspired plate with a side of Greek salad and hummus
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a medley of sautéed vegetables
This Easy Baked Salmon recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with countless side dishes. The clean, fresh flavors of the salmon complement everything from simple steamed vegetables to more complex grain dishes. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salmon on warmed plates with your chosen sides and a sprig of fresh dill or parsley as garnish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Baked Salmon
- Choose the right salmon: For the best Easy Baked Salmon, select fillets of even thickness so they cook at the same rate. Wild-caught salmon varieties like sockeye or coho offer excellent flavor, though farm-raised Atlantic salmon works well too.
- Don’t overcook: Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from the oven due to residual heat. Take it out when it’s just slightly underdone in the center for perfectly moist results.
- Use a thermometer: For foolproof doneness, use an instant-read thermometer. For medium doneness, aim for 125°F (52°C); for well-done, 140°F (60°C).
- Room temperature start: Take your salmon out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This promotes more even cooking.
- Pat dry thoroughly: Ensuring your salmon is very dry before seasoning helps achieve better browning and prevents it from steaming in its own moisture.
- Choose the right pan: A rimmed baking sheet works best for this Easy Baked Salmon recipe, allowing heat to circulate properly around the fish.
- Add herbs at the right time: Add delicate fresh herbs like dill after baking or in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their bright flavor and color.
Variations of Easy Baked Salmon
Lemon Herb Easy Baked Salmon
Enhance the herbal notes by creating a blend of finely chopped fresh herbs including dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Mix with lemon zest, olive oil, and a touch of minced garlic to create a vibrant herb paste that’s spread over the salmon before baking.
Asian-Inspired Easy Baked Salmon
Replace the dill and lemon with a glaze made from soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Brush over the salmon before baking and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Mediterranean Easy Baked Salmon
Top the salmon with a mixture of chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and crumbled feta cheese before baking. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of good olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Maple Dijon Easy Baked Salmon
Create a glaze with equal parts maple syrup and Dijon mustard, a touch of soy sauce, and minced garlic. Brush liberally over the salmon before and halfway through baking for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Spicy Easy Baked Salmon
Add some heat by mixing minced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes into a blend of honey, lime juice, and olive oil. Brush over the salmon before baking and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this Easy Baked Salmon recipe? A: Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before proceeding with the recipe. Frozen salmon that’s not properly thawed may release excess water during baking, which can affect the texture.
Q: How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked? A: Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain some transparency in the center. It should feel slightly firm but give way under gentle pressure. Using a thermometer, aim for 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness.
Q: Should I remove the skin before baking salmon? A: It’s not necessary to remove the skin before baking. In fact, leaving it on helps hold the fish together during cooking and adds flavor. You can easily separate the flesh from the skin after cooking if preferred.
Q: Can I prepare this Easy Baked Salmon recipe ahead of time? A: While it’s best cooked fresh, you can season the salmon up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for the best results.
Q: What can I do with leftover baked salmon? A: Leftover Easy Baked Salmon can be flaked and used in salads, pasta dishes, salmon patties, or breakfast scrambles. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Our Easy Baked Salmon recipe proves that sometimes the simplest approach yields the most impressive results. This no-fuss method of preparing salmon celebrates the natural flavors of this nutritious fish while ensuring it remains perfectly moist and flaky every time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—dress it up with different seasonings and sides for an elegant dinner party, or keep it simple for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
We hope this Easy Baked Salmon recipe becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire, offering a reliable go-to option whenever you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of minimal prep time and maximum flavor makes this dish a true winner for any occasion.
Have you tried this Easy Baked Salmon recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your experience in the comments section below or tag us in your food photos on social media. For more simple yet delicious meat and seafood recipes that deliver impressive results with minimal effort, visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com. Our extensive collection ensures you’ll always have inspiration for your next meal, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests.
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