Baked salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s quick to prepare and rich in flavor, pairing well with a variety of sides. With its tender texture and zesty lemon notes, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why This Baked Salmon Is Great
This dish stands out for its simplicity and ease. It takes very little time to prepare and requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have at home. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Perfect for families, it’s a great way to introduce more fish into your meals without any fuss.
How to Make Baked Salmon
Cooking baked salmon is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll mix a few ingredients, brush them on your fish, then let the oven do the work. In just a short time, you can serve a lovely, warm dish that’s refreshing and satisfying.
What You Need
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Place lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
- Enjoy your baked salmon with a side of veggies or rice.
How to Serve Baked Salmon
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Try it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a light meal. Rice or quinoa can also make a filling base. For a special touch, add a fresh salad or some crispy potatoes on the side.
How to Store Baked Salmon
To keep your leftovers fresh, store baked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking; salmon is done at 145°F.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-minced garlic.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a dash of paprika to the marinade.
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be tender and moist.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs according to your taste.
Variations & Swaps
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture.
- Substitute butter for olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Use different citrus, like lime or orange, for a unique twist.
- Try adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking for a savory crust.
- Make it kid-friendly by skipping the garlic and serving with a sweet dipping sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the salmon by marinating it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It makes for an easy dinner on a busy night when everything is ready to go.
Can I freeze baked salmon?
Absolutely! Baked salmon freezes well. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly in a freezer-safe container or wrapped in foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat baked salmon?
To reheat, place the salmon in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps it from drying out and helps maintain its tender texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have lemon juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, lime juice can work well. You could also use white wine vinegar as a tangy alternative.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is overcooking the salmon, which can make it dry. Keep an eye on it while baking, and use a fork to check if it flakes easily. Also, make sure to season adequately for the best flavor.
Baked Salmon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 fillets salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed Lemon slices for garnish
- as needed Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Place lemon slices on top of the salmon.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
