Oven baked salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to make. It is also a great way to get your daily dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation.
Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many different ways. However, oven baking is one of the simplest and healthiest ways to cook salmon. It is also a great way to cook salmon for a crowd.
History of Oven Baked Salmon
Salmon has been a popular food source for centuries. The earliest evidence of salmon consumption dates back to 10,000 BC. Salmon was originally eaten raw or cooked over an open fire.
Oven baking salmon became popular in the 19th century. This was due to the development of the oven, which made it easier to cook salmon evenly. Oven baking salmon also became popular because it was a healthier way to cook salmon than other methods, such as frying.
Applications of Oven Baked Salmon
Oven baked salmon can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a larger meal. It is also a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Here are some ideas for how to serve oven baked salmon:
As a main dish, with roasted vegetables or rice.
As a salad topping, with grilled vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.
As a sandwich filling, with whole-wheat bread, avocado, and lettuce.
As a wrap filling, with whole-wheat tortillas, hummus, and vegetables.
How to Make Oven Baked Salmon
Oven baked salmon is a very easy dish to make. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a baking sheet.
1 Pound of Salmon Fillet (Skin-on or off): Picture this – a succulent, flaky salmon fillet that’s the star of the show. Whether you prefer it with the skin on for that crispy texture or off for a smooth finish, this ingredient brings a rich, buttery taste to the table.
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil: Ah, olive oil, the liquid gold! This not only adds a delightful depth of flavor but also ensures our salmon emerges from the oven with a perfect, golden crust. It’s like giving your dish a little Mediterranean vacation.
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt: Just a pinch of salt to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon. It’s the unsung hero that brings everything together, ensuring each bite is a symphony of taste.
1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper: The little kick of black pepper is like a friendly wink in your recipe. It adds a subtle heat, elevating the overall taste profile and keeping your taste buds on their toes.
Optional: Lemon Slices, Fresh Herbs, or Garlic Cloves: Now, here’s where you can get creative! Throw in some lemon slices for a zesty twist, fresh herbs for a burst of aromatic freshness, or garlic cloves for a savory kick. These options turn your salmon into a culinary canvas, letting you paint with flavors.
Here is What You Need To Do:
Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit: Get that oven fired up! We’re creating a cozy haven for our salmon to transform into perfection.
Line a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper or Foil: Make cleanup a breeze by giving your baking sheet a protective layer. Less mess means more time to savor your meal.
Place the Salmon Fillet on the Baking Sheet: Gently lay your salmon on the prepared sheet, letting it bask in the anticipation of becoming a culinary masterpiece.
Drizzle with Olive Oil, Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper: Time to pamper your salmon. Drizzle it with that liquid gold (olive oil) and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Imagine you’re giving it a spa day – it deserves the royal treatment!
(Optional) Top with Lemon Slices, Fresh Herbs, or Garlic Cloves: This is your chance to play chef! Arrange lemon slices, sprinkle fresh herbs, or scatter garlic cloves over the salmon. Get creative and make it your own.
Bake for 12-15 Minutes, Until Cooked Through: Into the oven our salmon goes! Watch it transform into a golden, flaky delight over the next 12-15 minutes. Time to let the magic happen.
Serve Immediately: The grand finale! As soon as that timer dings, serve your salmon immediately. Picture the satisfaction as you cut through the fillet, revealing the perfect texture and flavors.
Now, gather your guests (or keep it all to yourself – we won’t judge), and enjoy every glorious bite!
Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 340 grams 12 ounces salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
- Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup 60 grams toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup 20 grams parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons 30 grams unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
- Spread the melted butter over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds and parsley over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you are using skin-on salmon fillets, place them skin-side down on the baking sheet.
- To check if the salmon is cooked through, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Serve the salmon fillets with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
FAQ
What kind of Salmon should I use?
You can use any type of salmon for this recipe. However, I recommend using wild-caught salmon, if possible. Wild-caught salmon is typically healthier and more sustainable than farmed salmon.
Should I remove the skin before baking?
You can remove the skin before baking, if desired. However, I recommend leaving the skin on. The skin helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful.
How do I know when the salmon is done baking?
The salmon is done baking when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
How do I serve oven-baked salmon?
You can serve oven baked salmon with roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa. You can also serve it on a salad, sandwich, or wrap.
Tips
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.
To keep the salmon moist, bake it in a foil packet.
If you use a skin-on salmon fillet, place the salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet. This will help to crisp up the skin.
Serve the salmon with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon aioli.
Conclusion
Oven-baked salmon is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. It is a great option for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Looking for more savory dishes, try our blackened chicken recipe.
