Salmon in the oven is like a cozy hug on a plate—simple yet profoundly satisfying. I stumbled upon this method one hectic weekday, and it’s been a weekday hero ever since. The aroma alone could make you forget the chaos of a long day, inviting you to unwind with each tender, flaky bite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking pan. Place the salmon fillets on the pan and generously season them with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and the juice from half a lemon. Spread this mixture evenly over the top and sides of the salmon fillets to ensure full coverage.
- Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and lay a slice on top of each fillet. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- If you prefer a slightly crispier finish, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once done, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving if desired.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (use a pinch if using finely ground black pepper)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend (or substitute with ¼ teaspoon each of dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)
- 1 medium lemon
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1224 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 136 g | Fat: 72 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 376 mg | Sodium: 1464 mg | Potassium: 3356 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 272 IU | Vitamin C: 4 mg | Calcium: 92 mg | Iron: 4 mg
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients needed for the Easy Healthy Baked Salmon recipe?
- To prepare this dish, you will need salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning blend (or Herbs de Provence), and a lemon.
- How can I ensure my salmon stays moist while baking?
- To keep your salmon moist, avoid cooking it at too high or too low a temperature. You can also cover it while baking and keep the skin on, as it acts as a barrier to retain moisture. Cooking at a gentle, low heat is ideal.
- What is the best way to tell if salmon is done cooking?
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check the color change from red to pink and cut into the thickest part to see if it is slightly translucent and beginning to flake. A thermometer should read between 110 to 140 degrees at the thickest part.
- How should I store leftover baked salmon?
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- What are some tips for reheating salmon without drying it out?
- Reheat salmon slowly at a low temperature and consider adding a splash of water for extra moisture. Using an oven or stove is preferable to microwaving, which can dry the salmon out.
Tips
- To ensure your salmon remains moist, consider leaving the skin on during baking. The skin acts as a natural barrier against the heat, helping to retain moisture within the fish.
- If you’re looking to enhance the flavor profile, try substituting the lemon with lime and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing twist.
- Avoid overcooking by baking the salmon for only 12-15 minutes. Checking for doneness by ensuring the fish is opaque and flaky will help prevent it from becoming dry.
- For even cooking and extra moisture, cover the salmon while baking or add a splash of water when reheating leftovers to help maintain its tenderness.
Equipment
- Large Baking Pan or Sheet
- Meat Thermometer (optional, for checking salmon doneness)
- Citrus Juicer (for juicing the lemon)
- Garlic Press (if mincing fresh garlic)
