The Perfect Baked Salmon Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Crafting a delectable baked salmon recipe brings pure joy to home cooking enthusiasts.

Seafood lovers appreciate salmon rich, buttery texture and incredible nutritional profile.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings can turn this dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when preparing this elegant meal.

Wild-caught salmon provides superior flavor and omega-3 benefits that nourish your body.

Simple techniques will help you achieve perfectly flaky, moist fish every single time.

Let this recipe inspire you to create a restaurant-quality dinner that impresses and delights.

Baked Salmon Done To Perfection

• Savor Quick Gourmet Delight: This salmon recipe transforms a simple fish into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Master Healthy Protein Perfection: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, this dish delivers nutritional benefits without sacrificing incredible flavor.
• Create Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or family gatherings, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios and impresses everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients allow quick modifications – swap honey for maple syrup, add different spices, or include your favorite herbs to match personal taste preferences.

Essential Ingredients For Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: A rich and flaky fish that serves as the star of this delicious baked dish.

• Melted Butter, Honey: A sweet and rich combination that creates a golden, glossy coating for the salmon.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp flavor to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the fish with its acidic properties.

• Minced Garlic: Delivers a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the salmon.
• Paprika: Introduces a subtle warmth and mild smoky note to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salmon.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Lemon Slices: Optional garnish that provides a fresh citrus accent when serving.

Easy Steps To Bake Perfect Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze.

This simple trick saves you scrubbing time later.

Step 2: Position Salmon Fillets

Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Ensure they’re not overcrowded, allowing each piece to cook evenly and develop a delicious golden crust.

Step 3: Create Delectable Glaze

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture that will make your salmon irresistible.

Step 4: Coat Salmon with Glaze

Using a pastry brush, generously spread the glaze over each salmon fillet. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor and a gorgeous golden sheen.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 6: Optional Caramelization

For an extra flavor boost, switch your oven to broil. Caramelize the salmon for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Pull the salmon from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch.

Bon appétit!

Tips To Nail Baked Salmon Every Time

• Select high-quality, bright-colored salmon fillets with firm flesh and minimal odor for the best taste and texture.
• Watch salmon carefully during baking; remove from oven when fish is just opaque and easily flakes to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Modify honey and mustard quantities to balance sweetness and tanginess according to personal preference without overwhelming the fish.
• Experiment with alternative herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles matching different meal styles.
• Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days, gently reheating at low temperature to preserve delicate texture and prevent toughening.

Variations To Refresh Your Baked Salmon

• Teriyaki Salmon Delight: Replace honey and Dijon mustard with teriyaki sauce, adding a sweet and tangy Japanese-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Swap paprika with dried oregano and thyme, incorporating olive oil instead of butter for a lighter Mediterranean-style preparation.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Replace honey with brown sugar, add cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Herb Salmon: Use coconut oil instead of butter, add fresh dill and chives for a dairy-free option that maintains rich, aromatic flavors.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Baked Salmon

• Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the salmon's rich, buttery glaze, balancing the dish's sweet and tangy flavors with its crisp acidity.
• Create a perfect side dish by roasting asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, which echoes the salmon's herbal notes and provides a tender, green contrast.
• Prepare a light quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs like parsley and a hint of lemon zest, offering a nutty, protein-rich accompaniment that enhances the salmon's delicate texture.

Storage Advice To Keep Baked Salmon Fresh

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F.
• For quick reheating, use 50% power in 30-second intervals. Drizzle extra glaze or water to prevent salmon from becoming tough and dry.

FAQs

• How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Use a fork to check if the salmon flakes easily and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C). The fish should look opaque and have a slightly firm texture.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better glaze and prevents steaming.

• What if I don't have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. If you don’t have mustard, increase the garlic and add a bit more lemon juice to maintain the flavor profile.

Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Salmon brings Mediterranean coastal flavors directly to kitchen tables with its herb-infused elegance. Crisp herbal notes and delicate fish textures create a simple yet sophisticated meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Sweet and Tangy Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Optional: Lemon slices for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then preheat the oven to a precise 400F (200C) for optimal salmon cooking.
2. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking surface, ensuring even placement.
3. Create a luxurious glaze by whisking together melted butter, honey, finely minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
4. Generously coat each salmon fillet with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize flavor absorption.
5. Carefully slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the fish easily flakes with a fork and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145F (63C).
6. For an enhanced caramelized exterior, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Extract the salmon from the oven, embellish with freshly chopped parsley and optional lemon slices, then serve immediately while piping hot and perfectly glazed.

Notes

• Always choose fresh, high-quality salmon with a vibrant color and firm texture for the best results.
• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before applying the glaze to help it adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets, checking for doneness by gently flaking with a fork.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of Dijon mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme in the glaze for varied flavor profiles.
• If you prefer a lighter option, replace butter with olive oil or use a dairy-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg