Salmon Recipe Oven: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any diet. This oven-baked salmon recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and produces perfectly cooked, flaky salmon every time. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs Salmon Fillet (skin on or off, your preference!): Choose a high-quality salmon fillet for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps the salmon cook evenly.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- 1 Lemon (sliced): Adds brightness and acidity to complement the richness of the salmon.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Dill, thyme, or rosemary work beautifully with salmon. A sprig or two per fillet adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Preparing the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks through evenly.
- Prepare your baking dish. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the salmon. Place the salmon fillet(s) in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add fresh herbs if using.
Baking the Salmon:
- Arrange lemon slices. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon. The lemon juice will add a burst of flavor as the salmon bakes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillet. Thicker fillets will require a longer cooking time.
- Check for doneness. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon while it's still hot and flaky.
- Pair with roasted vegetables. Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a fantastic side dish.
- Add a simple salad. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the salmon.
- Serve with rice or quinoa. These grains provide a healthy and satisfying base for your meal.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. It's better to slightly undercook it than overcook it.
- Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection.
- Experiment with different flavors. Try adding different herbs, spices, or citrus fruits to create your own unique salmon recipe.
- Consider skin-on or skin-off. Both options work well; skin-on salmon adds a crispy element.
This oven-baked salmon recipe is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! We hope you'll try it and share your culinary creations! Remember to use relevant keywords throughout your blog post like "oven baked salmon recipe," "easy salmon recipe," "healthy salmon recipe," and "delicious salmon recipe" to improve SEO.
