Foolproof Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon-Herb Butter
Looking for easy salmon recipes in oven? This lemon-herb oven roasted salmon is ready in 30! Flaky, delicious & a new family favorite. Get the recipe!
Right, let's get this show on the road!
Recipe Introduction: Salmon Fit For a King (Or Queen!)
Ever wondered what to cook for dinner that’s both healthy and a bit fancy? well, wonder no more! these salmon recipes in oven are your new best friend.
Trust me. i was tired of the same old chicken and fancied something a bit special.
The Magic of Lemon-Herb Oven Roasted Salmon
This oven baked salmon recipe is inspired by classic french cooking. it's all about simple elegance. i had this dish in a little bistro once in france and the magic has stuck with me.
Think delicate flaky salmon dinner recipes , infused with the bright flavours of lemon and fresh herbs. it's a best seafood recipes kinda vibe.
Quick Bite: Salmon Deconstructed
This recipe has its roots in simple coastal cuisine. it is all about displaying the natural flavours of the fish.
Don't be intimidated. this baked salmon recipes is a breeze, even for a complete beginner. it takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12- 15 minutes to cook.
It yields 4 servings, perfect for a small family or a dinner party with friends.
Why This Salmon Recipe Rocks
Forget dry, boring fish! this fish recipes healthy is bursting with flavour and packed with omega-3s. i mean, it's practically good for you! it's the perfect dish to serve for a relaxed sunday lunch.
It makes a seriously good salmon dinner . what makes it special? the best marinade using that killer lemon-herb butter. its also an easy oven cooking experience.
So, fancy trying it? First, let's gather our goodies!
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks, yeah? this oven baked salmon recipe is seriously easy, but quality ingredients and the right gear makes it even better.
Think of it like this: good ingredients = good times! this is one of my absolute go-to salmon dinner recipes , so i've learned a thing or two.
Foolproof Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon-Herb Butter Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for four servings of this deliciousness.
Salmon fillets: 4 fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each. skin on or off? totally your call. fresh is best, obviously, but frozen and thawed works in a pinch.
Honestly, look for bright color and firm texture. no fishy smell, alright? that's a huge red flag. best seafood recipes always start with good fish.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Extra virgin is lovely, but any will do.
Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted. Softened, not melted, yeah? We want it to mix nicely. I once tried using melted butter and it was a greasy disaster. Lesson learned!
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , freshly squeezed. The bottled stuff just doesn't hit the same, trust me.
Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Get that zest before you juice the lemon, yeah? Makes life easier.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is my go-to.
Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon , chopped. Don't skimp on the dill! It adds such a lovely flavour.
Garlic: 1 clove , minced. About a teaspoon, give or take.
Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional, if you like a little kick).
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
Seasoning Notes
This Best Marinade (well, more of a butter situation) is where the magic happens.
Essential Spice Combinations: Lemon, dill, and garlic are a classic trio for a reason. They just work with salmon.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth. You could also try adding a little bit of Dijon mustard to the butter mixture.
Quick substitution options: no fresh dill? dried dill will work in a pinch, but use less (about 1 teaspoon). you can use lime juice instead of lemon, but the flavor will be different.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
Baking Sheet: Any old baking sheet will do.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but it makes cleanup a breeze. Seriously, I hate washing dishes.
Small Bowl: For mixing the lemon-herb butter.
Whisk or Fork: For mixing the butter.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Highly recommended! This is the key to perfectly cooked Oven Roasted Salmon and preventing that dry, sad fish.
Honestly, knowing the temperature of the fish can make or break your salmon dinner . try using this to keep the fish recipes healthy and perfectly cooked easy oven baked salmon recipes can always be better with the right internal temperature.
See? Nothing too fancy. Now, let's get cooking! I find the whole process so therapeutic, I hope you do too.
Right, let's get cooking! you know, nothing beats a good salmon dinner , especially one that's quick and easy. so, listen up 'cause i'm about to share my foolproof method for oven baked salmon .
Honestly, this is one of the best seafood recipes i know. even my mate, who claims he hates fish, asked for seconds! this recipe helps to have delicious and fish recipes healthy .
Oven-Baked Salmon: My Go-To Method
I used to be intimidated by cooking fish. thought i'd screw it up. but baking salmon recipes in oven ? it's proper easy, and almost impossible to mess up.
You'll be turning out restaurant-quality salmon dinner recipes in no time. it's really easy oven and ready in 30 min.
Prep Like a Pro
Alright, first things first: mise en place! sounds fancy, i know, but it just means getting everything ready. chop your herbs, zest that lemon, and soften your butter.
This sets you up for a smooth cooking sesh. organisation is key, innit? also, give your salmon fillets a gentle pat-down with some kitchen roll.
Getting rid of excess moisture is crucial for oven roasted salmon that isn't soggy. this simple tip can bring out the best marinade .
Bosh It in the Oven: Step-by-Step
Right, let's get this show on the road!
- Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . This is crucial!
- Whisk together the softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped dill, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. That lemon-herb butter is absolutely banging!
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Skin on or off – your call! Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Slather each fillet with that gorgeous lemon-herb butter. Don't be shy now!
- Bake for 12- 15 minutes , or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should be 145° F ( 63° C) .
Ace Tips for Salmon Success
Want to take your oven baked salmon from good to blinding? Here's some tips.
First, don't overcook it. seriously. overcooked salmon is dry and sad. use a thermometer if you're unsure. secondly, make the lemon-herb butter ahead of time.
You can even freeze it in small portions. best marinade ever. it's perfect for those busy weeknights. people try baked salmon recipes that aren't easy, but trust me, this one is proper simple! the oven makes it the best seafood recipes .
Alright, let's chat about some recipe notes for our star, the oven baked salmon ! i've cooked this so many times, i've got a few tricks up my sleeve i want to share.
You know, the kind of stuff that turns good salmon recipes in oven into amazing salmon recipes in oven .
Recipe Notes: Making Salmon Sing!
Serving Suggestions: Posh Nosh & Simple Sides
Right, you've got this perfectly cooked oven roasted salmon . what next? presentation is key. i like to plate the salmon dinner on a bed of wilted spinach.
Add a lemon wedge. it looks fancy, but it's dead easy.
For sides, keep it simple. roasted asparagus is always a winner. quinoa is another great option. it's healthy and soaks up all those lovely lemon-herb juices.
And if you're feeling naughty, a side of mashed potatoes never hurt anyone. seriously. think of the flavour combo, its on the best seafood recipes list.
Pair it with a crisp white wine or even a chilled glass of elderflower cordial. Proper posh, that!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Honestly, leftover oven baked salmon is amazing. Refrigerate it in an airtight container as soon as it's cooled down. It'll keep for up to 2 days.
Freezing? not my first choice. it can change the texture. but if you must , wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.
Use it within a month. reheating, do it gently in the oven. low and slow. this ensures the salmon dinner recipes maintain optimal taste.
Microwaving it is a cardinal sin. don't do it.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a change? for a fish recipes healthy twist, try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. it's a great gluten-free option.
For the baked salmon recipes , you could swap the dill for rosemary. adds a lovely earthy note.
If its summer you might fancy throwing some halved cherry tomatoes into the oven tray. this is great for other easy oven recipes, not just salmon recipes in oven .
They'll burst in the oven and add some sweetness.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Salmon is a powerhouse. it's packed with omega-3s, the good fats that are great for your heart. it's also a brilliant source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues.
Roughly speaking, one serving clocks in at around 400 calories. loads of protein (40g), and healthy fats (25g).
Enjoying your Oven Baked Salmon , is good for you, too!
So there you have it. a few extra bits and bobs to elevate your best marinade and oven baked salmon .
Don't be afraid to experiment. cooking should be fun! get in the kitchen and have a go! you might just surprise yourself, and the salmon dinner will be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my oven-baked salmon is done? I'm always worried about overcooking it!
Nobody wants dry salmon, it's like a soggy biscuit! The best way to tell if your salmon is cooked perfectly is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet; it should read 145°F (63°C). It should also flake easily with a fork. Remember, it'll continue to cook a little after you take it out of the oven, so don't be afraid to pull it just before that mark.
Can I use frozen salmon for these salmon recipes in oven, or does it have to be fresh?
You absolutely can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw it is overnight in the fridge, or you can use the cold-water method (submerge the sealed salmon in cold water for about an hour). Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking – that's key for a good sear or even baking, just like Mary Berry advises!
I don't have all the herbs listed. What are some good substitutions for the lemon-herb butter on this oven-baked salmon?
Don't fret if you're short on herbs! Thyme, rosemary, or even chives make fantastic substitutes for parsley and dill. You could even try a bit of tarragon for a slightly anise-like flavour. The key is to use fresh herbs if you can, but dried herbs will work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
What's the best way to store leftover oven-baked salmon? And how long will it last?
Proper storage is key to enjoying leftovers safely! Let the salmon cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and it will last for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, or flake it into a salad or pasta for a quick and healthy lunch. Just be sure it's piping hot all the way through when reheating.
Is oven baked salmon healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Absolutely! Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. It's also a fantastic source of protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Baking it in the oven is a healthy cooking method as it requires minimal added fat, making it a delicious and nutritious meal choice, just like something you'd see Jamie Oliver cooking up!
Can I cook other vegetables on the same baking sheet as the salmon for these salmon recipes in oven? What veggies work best?
Yes, absolutely! Roasting vegetables alongside the salmon is a brilliant way to create a complete one-pan meal, saving on washing up! Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, and sliced onions all work wonderfully. Just toss the veggies with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them around the salmon on the baking sheet. Adjust the cooking time depending on the veggies you choose; some may need a head start before adding the salmon.