Easy Baked Salmon
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
238 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Baked Salmon
Description
Easy Baked Salmon is prepared by patting dry a salmon fillet to remove moisture, preventing steaming and ensuring proper roasting. The fish is seasoned with a blend of lemon zest and juice, fresh basil leaves, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil, giving it a subtle herbaceous and citrus flavor.
The salmon is baked at 375°F initially on the lower middle oven rack to cook it gently and evenly. After ten minutes, the rack is moved up and the salmon is broiled briefly, which browns the surface without overcooking, resulting in a tender and moist interior with a lightly crisped top layer.
This dish pairs well with side dishes such as rice pilaf or a fresh salad. The bright lemon and basil flavors make it flexible for a variety of meal occasions, from casual dinners to light lunches. Serving with extra lemon slices enhances its fresh character.
The recipe recommends watching the broiler closely to prevent burning and suggests serving promptly after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon about 1-inch thick, fillet
- lemon zest of 1 large
- lemon juice of half of the lemon
- 2 TB basil freshly chopped leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 TB extra virgin olive oil plus extra for pan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375F with rack on lower middle position. Line a large sheet pan with foil and grease the foil with some olive oil. Set aside.
- Remove Moisture: Use paper towels to pat-dry the salmon fillet, ensuring that all excess moisture is removed (this step is important, as excess water/moisture causes fish to be "steamed" instead.) Place salmon on the prepared sheet pan.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, stir together all remaining ingredients until combined. Evenly press the mixture over the top of salmon.
- Bake: Bake salmon for 10 minutes in preheated oven. Carefully but quickly take salmon out, move rack to top position underneath the broiler, and place salmon tray back on rack.
- Broil: Broil on high for up to 5 minutes or until top is nicely browned, but watch carefully for even browning without burning. Remove from heat immediately. Serve with extra slices of lemon.
Notes
- Pat salmon dry thoroughly before seasoning to avoid steaming and promote roasting.
- Keep a close watch during broiling to achieve a golden top without burning.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon slices for added brightness.
- This salmon pairs well with rice pilaf or light salads like a lemon spinach orzo salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.1g | 2% |
| Protein | 34.1g | 68% |
| Fat | 9.6g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6g | 8% |
| Cholesterol | 77.2mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 313.1mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 2.1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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