There’s something undeniably special about a perfectly cooked salmon dish. Not only is it incredibly nutritious and healthy, but it’s also packed with delicious flavors that make it a favorite among seafood lovers. Baking salmon in the oven creates a perfectly tender and juicy texture, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party. But with so many variations of baked salmon recipes available, it can be challenging to find the perfect one. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Our easy-to-follow and foolproof oven-baked salmon recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks, using simple ingredients to deliver a tasty and satisfying result. So, get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds with this mouthwatering oven-baked salmon recipe that will surely become a family favorite!

Do I have to use foil for baking salmon in the oven?

When baking salmon in the oven, most people use foil. You might think it is a crucial step, but you don’t really have to bake salmon in foil. Foil can be helpful in some cases, as it can help to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan and make for easier cleanup. However, it is not necessary to cook salmon in the oven.

In fact, baking salmon in foil can trap moisture and prevent the fish from developing a crispy, golden crust. If you prefer your salmon to have a crispy exterior, it’s best to bake it directly on the pan without foil.

Why has my oven-baked salmon dried out?

There are two main reasons; your salmon has dried out in the oven. These are:

• It has been cooked for too long (overcooked): Overcooking salmon can cause the natural oils in the fish to evaporate, resulting in a dry, tough texture.
• If it has been cooked at a very high temperature: When baking salmon, you should keep it at a moderate temperature, i.e., 375 degrees to 400 degrees F.
• Not enough moisture: Becausesalmon has a relatively low-fat content, it needs some added moisture to keep it from drying out. One way to do this is to use a marinade or a glaze on the salmon before baking it. You can also drizzle some olive oil over the top of the salmon to keep it moist.
• Salmon is not fresh: If your salmon was not fresh, it might have been dry and tough before it was even cooked.

What to serve Oven Baked Salmon with?

Oven-baked salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that can be paired with various sides. Here are some options to consider:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, and broccoli can be a great side dish for oven-baked salmon. The combination of flavors is both delicious and nutritious.
• Quinoa Salad: A light and fresh quinoa salad with herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes can be a great option for a side dish. It provides a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
• Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad with a mix of fresh herbs, feta cheese, and diced vegetables can be a perfect complement to the flavors of the salmon.
• Garlic Rice: Fragrant garlic rice is a simple and flavorful side dish that can be served with oven-baked salmon. The buttery texture pairs well with the tender and flaky salmon.

Can you store Oven Baked Salmon?

Absolutely, you can store oven-baked salmon to enjoy it later. Once the salmon has cooled down, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Cooked salmon can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Moreover, to store oven-baked salmon for longer than a few days, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to two to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

Oven Baked Salmon – The recipe

Preparation time: minutes

Cooking time:

Total time:  minutes

Servings:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each

2 tbsp. olive oil

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. paprika powder

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. herbs de Provence

¼ cup lemon juice

Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees F. Also, prepare a baking pan by lightly greasing it with oil.
2. Transfer the salmon fillets to the prepared baking pan, and pat dry using a paper towel, and season generously with pepper and salt.
3. In a small bowl, pour olive oil and add onion powder, paprika powder, garlic, herbs de Provence, and lemon juice, and mix well.
4. Pour the olive oil mixture over seasoned fillets and rub gently to make sure that there is no dry spot left.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon becomes opaque and flakes appear when pulled with a fork.
6. Once fish is ready, remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with thinly sliced lemon.