Baked Salmon Recipe (Perfect Seasoning!)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
281 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Salmon Recipe (Perfect Seasoning!)
Description
The Baked Salmon Recipe (Perfect Seasoning!) centers on salmon fillets prepared with a simple but flavorful spice mix including sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, a touch of coconut sugar, and black pepper, all rubbed on after a coating of olive oil. Baking the fish on parchment at 400°F allows the heat to cook the fillets evenly, encouraging a tender and flaky texture. The smoked paprika and coconut sugar contribute a mild smoky and sweet flavor contrast to the natural richness of the salmon. The recipe highlights the importance of checking doneness by internal temperature or by observing the flake of the flesh, with a personal preference mentioned for pulling the fish at 130°F for optimal moistness while acknowledging the FDA's recommendation.
This salmon can be served as a main course with simple sides, using its seasoning to provide enough flavor without overpowering. The seasoning blend helps develop a gentle crust when baked, enhancing the eating experience with both aroma and subtle sweetness. The recipe mentions that the fillet temperature and thickness influence cooking time, advising adjustments to ensure proper doneness. Wild-caught varieties like Coho and Sockeye are preferred, with specific salt brands suggested to maintain intended flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon about 4 to 6 oz. each, fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt see notes, fine
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side-down on the parchment paper about 2 inches apart from each other.
- Drizzle the fish with olive oil and rub it evenly over the top and sides. In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, coconut sugar, and black pepper. Stir well, then sprinkle the seasoning blend over each fillet. Coat the fish generously, rubbing it on the top and sides of the fish. (No need to season the bottom.)
- Bake at 400ºF for 12 to 15 minutes. Use an internal thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish. The FDA recommends cooking fish to 145ºF, but I prefer to remove it from the oven at 130ºF. The fish will continue to cook slightly when you remove it from the oven, thanks to carry-over cooking. (You can also test the fish without a thermometer simply by flaking the center with a fork. If it looks opaque and flakes easily, it's done!)
- Let the salmon rest on the pan for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then it's ready to serve! (Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs, if you like.) Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Nutrition estimates apply per 6-ounce salmon fillet but may vary depending on precise ingredients used.
- Cooking time varies with salmon fillet temperature and thickness; thin or room-temperature fillets may cook faster, thick or cold fillets require more time.
- Wild-caught salmon such as Coho and Sockeye is preferred for flavor; King salmon is an option but tends to be pricier.
- Using unrefined mineral sea salt contributes distinct flavor; adjust quantities when substituting with table salt or other salts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 281kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 515mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 845mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 192IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.01mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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