Oven Baked Salmon offers a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal option, ideal for both lunch and dinner. Prepared in under 30 minutes, this simple dish features fresh salmon fillets seasoned with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, and is baked to flaky perfection.
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It's not only a delight to the taste buds but also a healthy choice, packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Versatile and easy to prepare, it pairs excellently with a variety of side dishes, making it a perfect pick for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For Oven Baked Salmon, gather these basic ingredients, easily found in your pantry or at a local grocery store. Let's see what you will need:
- Salmon Fillets: Salmon is the star of the dish, providing a rich, tender base that absorbs flavors well. Opt for fresh fillets, with skin for a delightful crispiness or without for ease of eating. Thawed frozen fillets are also suitable, ensuring flexibility in ingredient choice.
- Seasonings: A balanced mix where chili powder brings a gentle warmth, black pepper introduces a spicy edge, and garlic powder adds a rich, savory depth. Salt is essential to elevate the overall flavor. Incorporate dried oregano, parsley leaves, or Italian seasoning into the salmon marinade for diverse herbal undertones, each enhancing the salmon with its distinct flavor characteristics.
- Lemon Juice: The splash of lemon juice introduces a zesty, citrusy tang, cutting through the richness of the salmon and bringing a bright, fresh dimension to the dish.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil in the marinade provides a heart-healthy base, adding moisture and helping to infuse the seasonings into the salmon. Alternatively, butter can be used for a creamier, more indulgent flavor.
- Lemon Slices: Placing lemon slices on top of the fillets before baking infuses an extra layer of citrus aroma into the fish, enhancing its natural flavors and adding a visually appealing touch to the final presentation.
How to Bake Salmon in an Oven?
Start your Oven Baked Salmon adventure with our simple guide, complete with instructive photos and a video. We'll begin with a delicious marinade, season the salmon perfectly, and then bake it to flaky delight. Let's begin cooking!
Discover More Delicious Salmon Dishes:
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- Salmon Patties
- Salmon Pasta
- Salmon Salad
Oven Baked Salmon
Savor the simplicity and richness of Oven Baked Salmon, a quick and healthy seafood delight. Made with salmon fillets, seasoned with spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, it's baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it pairs wonderfully with your favorite veggies or salads.
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Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Lemon Slices, for topping
Instructions
To make Baked Salmon
- Start by combining chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and salt in a glass bowl. Thoroughly mix these spices, ensuring each grain is evenly distributed for a uniformly flavored marinade.
- To the spice blend, add freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil. Stir until you achieve a thick, harmonious sauce. This step is crucial as the acidity of the lemon and the richness of the oil balance the spices, enhancing the overall taste of the marinade.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), allowing it time to reach the correct temperature. Meanwhile, line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon fillets on the tray, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.
- Generously apply the marinade onto each salmon fillet, using a brush to coat all sides evenly. This ensures that every inch of the salmon is infused with flavor. Top each fillet with thin slices of lemon for an extra zesty touch.
- Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Use a kitchen thermometer to check for doneness; the salmon is perfectly cooked when its thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep a close eye on the oven to ensure the salmon doesn't overcook and dry out.
- Once removed from the oven, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
To Serve
- Serve your Oven Baked Salmon with a side of your choice for a complete meal. From light salads to hearty grains, the options are endless. For more creative and tailored pairing ideas, please refer to our serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some helpful tips for perfect Oven Baked Salmon:
Quality and Preparation of Salmon:
- Freshness is Key: Opt for salmon that's vibrant in color, free from bruises, spots, or dry patches. Fresh salmon shouldn't have a strong fishy odor, which is a clear indicator of aging.
- Variety Matters: Feel free to use any type of salmon available to you, whether it's sockeye, chinook, pink, or king. Each variety brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Seasoning Flexibility: While basic seasonings work great, don't hesitate to experiment. Try herbs and spices like dill, parsley, garlic, or paprika to explore different flavor profiles that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
- Marinating Time: If time allows, marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors deeply. However, avoid marinating for too long, especially in acidic marinades, as this can begin to 'cook' the fish or make it mushy.
Cooking Techniques and Tips:
- Prevent Sticking and Dryness: Line your baking tray with oil-greased parchment paper to prevent salmon, particularly skin-on fillets, from sticking. For a moister salmon, cover it with a foil or parchment tent in the first half of baking to trap steam and avoid drying out.
- Don't Overcrowd the Tray: Ensure there's enough space between each fillet on the baking tray. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than baking, affecting texture and flavor.
- Skin Side Down: When baking, place the salmon skin side down on the baking sheet or in the dish. This helps the skin become crispy and makes the salmon easier to remove.
- Perfect Temperature and Baking Time: For a juicy outcome, bake your salmon at 400°F, ideally for 15 to 20 minutes. It's crucial to monitor the salmon to prevent overcooking, which can result in a rubbery texture. To ensure safe cooking, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), following FDA guidelines.
- Checking for Doneness: Besides using a thermometer, another way to check if salmon is cooked is by gently pressing down on the top of the fillet with a fork or your finger. If the salmon flakes easily, it's ready.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 851mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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For salmon and seafood fans, explore our collection of easy, flavorful recipes. Enjoy perfectly cooked salmon fillets and complementary sides that will enhance your seafood meals and enrich your culinary journey.
Serving Suggestions
Discover perfect pairings for Oven Baked Salmon with these serving suggestions. Elevate your meal whether you prefer grains, veggies, or creative sides.
- With Grains: Pair the salmon with a side of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. These grains complement the richness of the salmon and can be flavored with herbs or lemon zest for extra taste.
- Vegetable Sides: Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. For a summer twist, a fresh green salad or a medley of roasted Mediterranean vegetables works wonderfully.
- Potato Dishes: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a light potato salad make hearty and satisfying sides.
- Pasta and Noodles: Toss the salmon with your favorite pasta, a light cream sauce, and fresh herbs. Alternatively, cold soba noodles with a soy-based dressing can offer an Asian-inspired meal.
- Sauces and Dips: Serve with a dill yogurt sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a homemade tartar sauce to enhance the flavor of the salmon.
- Bread: Enjoy with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any remaining flavors on the plate.
- Salads: For a lighter meal, flake the salmon over a Caesar or Greek salad. You can also mix it into a bean or lentil salad for a protein-rich option.
- Tacos or Wraps: Flake the salmon into tacos or wraps with fresh vegetables, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream or avocado for a casual, hands-on meal.
Storage Suggestions
While best enjoyed fresh, Baked Salmon can be stored for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This makes it a convenient choice for meal prepping for lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
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