Irresistibly Flaky Baked Salmon Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Delightful salmon transforms your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure with minimal effort.

Flaky, tender fillets promise a nutritious meal that feels surprisingly luxurious.

Mediterranean herbs and citrus notes dance across each succulent piece.

Crisp edges beckon with golden-brown promises of flavor complexity.

Quick preparation means you can have an elegant dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary on your plate.

Dive into this recipe and experience seafood magic that will make you the star of dinnertime.

Simple Reasons to Try This Baked Salmon Recipe

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This salmon recipe transforms a simple fish into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills required, making even novice cooks feel like culinary pros.
• Boost Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, this salmon creates a heart-healthy meal that delivers incredible taste and wellness benefits in one delicious package.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe solves dinner dilemmas by delivering a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible marinade ingredients allow personal tweaks, letting home chefs experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavor combinations to match their taste preferences.

Baked Salmon Essentials

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh and tender fish perfect for baking.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth, flavorful coating.
• Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy tang.
• Fresh Dill: Brings a delicate herbal note.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the salmon.

• Lemon Slices, Fresh Dill Sprigs: Adds a fresh and decorative touch to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Salmon

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The high heat will help create a perfectly cooked, flaky salmon that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly minced garlic
• Zesty lemon juice
• Fragrant fresh dill
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they dance together in harmony.

Step 3: Embrace the Salmon

Gently place your salmon fillets in a baking dish, then lovingly drench them in the marinade. Let the fish soak up all those incredible flavors for about 15 minutes – this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the salmon cook for 12-15 minutes until it transforms into a flaky, tender masterpiece that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

• Bright, sunny lemon slices
• Delicate sprigs of fresh dill

Serve immediately and watch your guests’ eyes light up with delight!

Best Practices for Baked Salmon

• Enhance Flavor Depth: Marinate salmon for up to 30 minutes to allow herbs and garlic to penetrate the fish more intensely.
• Prevent Drying Out: Cover the baking dish with foil during initial cooking to lock in moisture and ensure tender, juicy salmon.
• Check Doneness Perfectly: Use a fork to gently separate the fish; if it flakes easily and appears opaque, it's ready to serve.
• Boost Nutrition Quickly: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for higher heat tolerance and added healthy fat benefits.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Replace dill with fresh parsley for those who dislike the herb's strong flavor, maintaining recipe's aromatic profile.

How To Save Baked Salmon And Reheat It Well

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the fish with plastic wrap or a tight lid to prevent it from drying out.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place salmon in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.

What Complements Baked Salmon

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the salmon's richness with its bright, acidic notes, complementing the herb and lemon marinade perfectly.
• Create Citrus Salad Side: Fresh mixed greens with orange segments, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette balance the salmon's richness and echo its citrusy marinade.
• Match Herbal Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa cooked with fresh dill and parsley mirrors the salmon's herb profile, adding a nutritious and flavorful grain accompaniment.
• Select Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus with a light olive oil and garlic drizzle provides a green vegetable side that harmonizes with the salmon's delicate flavors.

Flavor Twists for Baked Salmon

• Gluten-Free Herbal Salmon: Replace dill with fresh basil or parsley for a gluten-free, herb-infused version that maintains the recipe's core flavors.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Swap salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary, and use low-sodium soy sauce instead of traditional salt to reduce sodium intake.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Add a butter and almond meal coating to increase healthy fat content, keeping the dish compatible with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and oregano into the marinade for a Greek-style salmon that brings coastal Mediterranean flavors to the dish.

FAQs

• Is salmon healthy to eat regularly?

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious diet.

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The flesh should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

• Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried dill for fresh. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every 1 tablespoon of fresh dill called for in the recipe.

• What are the best types of salmon for baking?

Wild-caught salmon varieties like sockeye, king, and coho are excellent choices. They have rich flavor and good texture that works well with baking methods.

Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Pacific salmon comes alive in this Mediterranean-inspired baked salmon recipe, blending herbal notes with zesty lemon brightness. Crisp exterior and tender flakes promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with each expertly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon slices
• Fresh dill sprigs

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a sizzling 400°F, creating the perfect thermal environment for transforming salmon into a culinary masterpiece.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together fruity olive oil, pungent garlic, zesty lemon juice, and delicate dill, then season with a nuanced blend of salt and pepper to elevate flavor complexity.
3. Nestle salmon fillets in a spacious baking vessel, generously draping them with the aromatic marinade and allowing the ingredients to harmonize for approximately 15 minutes, enabling deep flavor infusion.
4. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the intense heat to gently cook the salmon until it reaches a pristine, flaky texture – typically requiring 12-15 minutes of culinary transformation.
5. Extract the golden-hued salmon from the oven, adorning its surface with bright lemon medallions and verdant fresh dill sprigs, creating a visually stunning presentation that promises a sensory gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Customize the marinade by swapping dill with other herbs like parsley or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Opt for wild-caught salmon to ensure better nutritional value and more sustainable seafood choices.
• Using a meat thermometer helps achieve perfectly cooked salmon, targeting an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.
• For a low-carb and gluten-free option, pair the salmon with roasted vegetables or a light salad instead of heavy sides.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg