Crispy Baked Salmon Recipe: The Juicy Fish Everyone Loves

Salmon, a nutritious and delectable fish, shines brilliantly in this easy baked salmon recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The delicate flavors of fresh fish merge seamlessly with simple seasonings, creating a mouthwatering meal that takes minutes to prepare.

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this dish delivers both health and incredible taste in one elegant package.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender, flaky texture and robust marine essence.

The secret lies in selecting high-quality salmon and using minimal, complementary ingredients that enhance its natural goodness.

A sprinkle of herbs and a touch of lemon can transform this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

Dive into this delightful culinary experience that will surely become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Top Side Dishes for Baked Salmon

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salmon's rich, buttery texture. These wines cut through the fish's oiliness and enhance the lemon and herb notes in the marinade.
• Herb-Infused Side Dish Companion: Create a fresh quinoa salad with chopped parsley, dill, and lemon zest. The light, zesty grains perfectly balance the salmon's robust flavors and provide a complementary herbal undertone.
• Refreshing Citrus Accompaniment: Prepare a bright cucumber and dill salad dressed with light vinaigrette. The cool, crisp elements will refresh the palate and mirror the recipe's lemon and herb profile, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Textural Contrast Partner: Add roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of sea salt and garlic. The slightly charred, crunchy vegetable offers a delightful textural contrast to the tender, flaky salmon, elevating the overall meal's complexity.

Different Flavor Routes for Baked Salmon

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Coat salmon with a mixture of fresh dill, parsley, and crushed pistachios before baking for a crunchy, aromatic layer.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Salmon: Replace regular marinade with olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic. Sprinkle with gluten-free breadcrumbs for added texture.
• Low-Carb Pesto Salmon: Substitute marinade with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Use fresh basil leaves and pine nuts for enhanced flavor. Perfect for keto diet followers.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon: Swap marinade ingredients with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an authentic east Asian touch.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

• Is it necessary to remove salmon skin before cooking?

No, you can leave the skin on. It helps keep the fish moist and can be easily removed after cooking if you prefer not to eat it.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds great flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dried parsley or skip it altogether. The other herbs and seasonings will still make the salmon delicious.

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

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

What You’ll Love About This Baked Salmon

• Marinate the salmon with a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs to infuse rich, mouthwatering flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Baking in foil packets ensures perfectly cooked, tender salmon every single time, making it an ideal technique for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Wrapping salmon in foil means less mess and easier cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
• This recipe works wonderfully for casual family dinners, elegant gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients for Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that forms the star of this delicious baked dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the salmon moist during cooking.
• Garlic, Dried Basil, Parsley: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the salmon's flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy notes that complement the rich salmon.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.

• Foil: Creates a steamy environment that helps cook the salmon evenly and keeps it tender.
• Lemon Wedge: Adds a fresh garnish and allows for an extra squeeze of citrus when serving.

How to Bake Salmon Like a Pro

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade Blend

• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

The combination will send your taste buds on a culinary adventure.

Step 2: Infuse Salmon With Deliciousness

Arrange salmon fillets in a baking dish with skin facing down.

Generously pour marinade over the fish, ensuring complete coverage.

Massage the marinade into every surface of the salmon.

Cover and refrigerate for one hour, flipping fillets midway to guarantee maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Prepare Flavor Packets

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer each salmon fillet onto a separate aluminum foil sheet.

Spoon remaining marinade over the fish.

Carefully fold and seal foil packets, creating tight enclosed pouches that lock in moisture and intensify flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Tender Perfection

Place sealed foil packets on a baking sheet.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes.

Test salmon’s readiness by gently pressing with a fork – it should easily separate and appear opaque throughout.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Carefully open foil packets, watching for hot steam.

Gently transfer salmon to serving plates.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality seafood feast!

Smart Tricks for Flaky Baked Salmon

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a robust seasoning that infuses deep taste into the salmon.
• Allow at least one hour of marinating time to maximize flavor absorption, turning fillets midway to ensure even coating.
• Seal foil packets completely to lock in steam and prevent the salmon from drying out during baking.
• Use a fork to test doneness, ensuring the salmon flakes easily but remains tender and not overcooked.
• Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the fish's natural flavors and add a bright, citrusy finish.

Keeping Baked Salmon Tasty for Later

• Seal leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking to ensure it doesn't become tough.

Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Salmon emerges as a culinary masterpiece that brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Herb-infused and perfectly seasoned, this dish promises a delightful experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 6-ounce (170 grams) salmon fillets

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Liquid and Oil:

• 6 tablespoons light olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating an aromatic flavor foundation.
2. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Refrigerate for one hour, rotating fillets midway to ensure comprehensive flavor infusion.
3. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer each salmon fillet onto individual foil sheets, drizzling remaining marinade over the fish. Carefully seal foil packets, preventing any moisture escape.
4. Position foil-wrapped salmon on a baking sheet, roasting for 35-45 minutes. At 35 minutes, test salmon’s readiness by gently probing with a fork—the fish should effortlessly flake and maintain a firm, moist texture.
5. Cautiously open foil packets, being mindful of escaping steam. Plate the salmon, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s bright, zesty profile.

Notes

• Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a heart-healthy alternative that withstands high cooking temperatures.
• Keep salmon moist by avoiding overcooking, which can make the fish dry and tough.
• For gluten-free diets, ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative seasonings if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg