11/05/2024
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets (skin on or off, your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
1 lemon (sliced and juiced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, dill, or parsley)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a few slices of lemon for garnish
Equipment:
Baking sheet or dish
Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
Basting brush or spoon (optional)
Steps to Make Baked Salmon:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking salmon, helping it to cook quickly and evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish or Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup (optional). If you prefer, you can lightly grease the sheet with a bit of oil or butter.
3. Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down if the skin is still on.
Drizzle the fillets with olive oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the salmon.
Add minced garlic on top of the fillets for extra flavor.
Place lemon slices on top of the salmon. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish for added brightness.
Top with fresh herbs (such as thyme, dill, or parsley) for extra fragrance and flavor.
4. Bake the Salmon
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You can check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork. It should be opaque and flake easily.
If you prefer your salmon slightly more crispy, you can broil the salmon for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Optional: Make a Quick Glaze or Sauce
If you like your salmon with a sweet or tangy glaze, mix 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and brush it onto the salmon in the last 5 minutes of baking.
You can also make a simple lemon butter sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter and mixing it with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a pinch of garlic powder.
6. Serve
Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven.
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra lemon slices, if desired.
Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Salmon:
Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C) for optimal flakiness and moisture.
Skin-on or skinless?: If you prefer crispy skin, leave the skin on and bake it skin-side down. If you don’t like skin, ask your fishmonger to remove it, or you can do so yourself at home.
Add variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cumin, or a splash of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
