Salmon Oven Baked is a tender and flavorful that is perfectly seasoned and baked to flaky perfection for an easy weeknight dinner.
Why Oven-Baked Salmon?
Oven-baking salmon is not only convenient but also a healthy cooking method that preserves the natural omega-3 fatty acids and moisture within the fish. The even heat distribution in the oven ensures a well-cooked, flavorful piece of salmon without having to stand over a hot stove.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking salmon can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on the time and use a meat thermometer to ensure precision.
- Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Wrapping salmon in foil creates a steamy environment, making the fish extra moist while simplifying cleanup.
- Try a Broiler Finish: For crispy edges, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinating the salmon for 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic adds a delightful sweet-and-savory flavor.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Garlic Butter Salmon: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Pour over the salmon before baking.
- Asian-Inspired: Use a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a touch of honey.
- Spicy Cajun Salmon: Coat the fillets with a homemade Cajun spice blend for a kick of heat.
- Maple-Glazed: Brush the salmon with a blend of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne for a sweet and tangy glaze.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Salmon
Oven-baked salmon is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or baby potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain base soaks up all the delicious salmon juices and seasonings.
- Salmon Salad: Flake the salmon and add it to a fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
- Tacos: Use the baked salmon as a filling for fish tacos, topped with slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Salmon
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat salmon in a 275°F (135°C) oven until warm, or use a microwave on low power to avoid drying it out.
Recipe FAQs
Can I bake salmon from frozen?
Yes, you can! Increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, but always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Should I bake salmon covered or uncovered?
Baking salmon uncovered gives a nice, slightly crispy texture. For a more moist result, you can cover it with foil.
What’s the best way to tell if salmon is cooked?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) indicates it’s fully cooked.
Can I use a marinade?
Absolutely! Just make sure to marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
Salmon Oven
Salmon Oven Baked is a tender and flavorful that is perfectly seasoned and baked to flaky perfection for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet, preferably skin-on
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Ground black pepper to taste
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a large piece of foil. Place the salmon fillet on the foil, skin-side down (pink side facing up), and fold the edges of the foil up to make a little “boat” around the salmon to keep all the juices in.
- Mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush half of this garlic butter over the salmon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Finish by drizzling the remaining garlic butter on top.
Pop the salmon into the oven and bake for 15-22 minutes, depending on how you like it cooked (more details on internal temps below). - If you’re feeling fancy, baste the salmon with its own juices halfway through cooking. Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 161Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 39mgSodium 335mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 9g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Oven-baked salmon is a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you like it with just a squeeze of lemon or dressed up with bold spices, this method is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy experimenting with different flavor profiles and serving options to keep things fresh and exciting. Happy cooking!
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