Description
Mediterranean-inspired Baked Salmon sails onto dinner plates with bold Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon flavors. Crisp exterior and flaky interior promise a restaurant-quality seafood experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, as desired
Fat and Aromatics:
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted) or olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and creating a protective foil base on a rimmed baking sheet, positioning the salmon fillet skin-side down within a foil “boat” to capture cooking juices.
- Craft a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter and incorporating minced garlic, then generously brushing half the mixture directly onto the salmon surface to infuse rich flavor.
- Develop a complex seasoning blend by combining brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, evenly distributing this mixture across the salmon’s surface and finishing with a drizzle of remaining garlic butter.
- Slide the prepared salmon into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 15-22 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve desired doneness—targeting an internal temperature of 135°F for medium or 145°F for fully cooked salmon.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and permit a brief 5-minute resting period, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring a moist, tender final dish ready for serving.
Notes
- Check salmon thickness carefully to adjust cooking time and prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry and tough.
- Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and moist result.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness, preventing the common mistake of dry salmon by removing it from the oven at the right temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg