Baked salmon recipe

There are few culinary pleasures as profound as preparing a meal that is both incredibly simple and exquisitely elegant. For an effortless yet utterly satisfying dinner, I often turn to perfectly baked salmon. This recipe celebrates the natural beauty and delicate flavor of fresh salmon, elevated by a masterful blend of sweet and savory seasonings. It’s a testament to how refined tastes can be achieved with straightforward techniques, making it a perfect choice for both a busy weeknight or a sophisticated gathering. Let’s embark on creating a truly magnificent dish.

Baked salmon recipe Ingredients

• One (2-pound) whole salmon fillet, skin-on preferred
• Three tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or high-quality olive oil
• Two cloves garlic, meticulously minced
• One tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
• One teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• One teaspoon sweet paprika
• One teaspoon garlic powder
• Three-quarters teaspoon fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Baked salmon recipe Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with a generous piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Carefully place the salmon fillet onto the foil, ensuring the skin side is down and the vibrant pink flesh is facing upward. Gently crimp the edges of the foil around the salmon to create a neat 'boat,' which will help to retain moisture and flavorful juices during baking.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or olive oil) and minced garlic until well combined. Using a clean pastry brush, delicately apply half of this aromatic mixture evenly over the surface of the salmon.
3. In a separate, small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, garlic powder, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle this exquisite spice blend uniformly over the buttered salmon, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
4. Conclude by drizzling the remaining garlic-butter mixture over the seasoned salmon, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor and moisture.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 22 minutes. The precise baking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillet and your desired level of doneness. For an exceptionally moist result, you may wish to baste the salmon with the accumulated pan juices halfway through the baking process. The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.

My Top Tips

Always source the freshest, highest-quality salmon available. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, for instance, offers a superior flavor and texture that truly elevates this simple preparation. The quality of your primary ingredient is paramount to a truly exceptional outcome.

Do not overcook the salmon. It should be tender and flaky, not dry. A good indicator is when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven, so err on the side of caution for a perfectly succulent result.

For a beautiful presentation, serve this baked salmon immediately with a garnish of fresh dill or finely chopped chives, perhaps alongside perfectly steamed asparagus or a vibrant quinoa salad. Remember, elegance lies in simplicity and thoughtful details.

This baked salmon recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care and precision, can yield a truly remarkable dish. It is a sophisticated yet approachable meal, perfect for a busy weeknight or an elegant gathering. Enjoy the art of cooking, beautifully and simply, in your own kitchen.