Salmon in the Oven: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Baking salmon in the oven is a fantastic way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful fish. This recipe provides a simple yet elegant approach, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We'll focus on achieving perfectly flaky, moist salmon every time, with a delicate balance of flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet (skin on or off, your preference!): Look for a good quality fillet, ideally wild-caught. The size can be adjusted based on the number of servings you need.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A high-quality olive oil will enhance the flavor significantly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle yet delicious savory note.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder beautifully.
- Optional additions: Feel free to get creative! Consider adding lemon slices, fresh herbs (dill, thyme, rosemary), or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Preparing the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your salmon cooks evenly and quickly.
- Prepare your baking dish: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or use a baking dish lightly greased with olive oil.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture evenly over the salmon fillet. Add any optional ingredients at this stage.
Baking the Salmon:
- Place the salmon in the oven: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillet in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet. A good rule of thumb is to bake for about 12-15 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet. For thicker fillets, add a few minutes.
- Check for doneness: The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your perfectly baked salmon while it's hot and flaky.
- Pair with sides: Roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or quinoa are all excellent choices to complement the salmon.
- Add a sauce: A lemon-dill sauce or a creamy avocado sauce can elevate the dish to another level.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the salmon enough space to cook evenly.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. It's always better to slightly undercook it than overcook it.
- Use a meat thermometer: For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.
This simple oven-baked salmon recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations! Remember to share your culinary creations using #ovenbakedsalmon. Happy cooking!
