Oven-Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook salmon in the oven. The lemon and herbs add a bright and fresh taste, and the salmon cooks up flaky and moist.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (each about 6 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice from half the lemon slices, garlic, parsley, and dill.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the herb mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Arrange the remaining lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque throughout.
Tips:
- For a crispier skin, broil the salmon for the last minute or two of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon. If it flakes easily, it’s cooked through.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bite.
- You can substitute other herbs for the parsley and dill, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Serve the salmon with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Additional variations:
- Honey Garlic Glaze: In step 3, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- Dijon Mustard Glaze: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of dried thyme.
- Spicy Mayo: Dollop the cooked salmon with a mixture of mayonnaise, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime juice.