Oven-Baked Salmon
This recipe offers a quick and easy method for preparing oven-baked salmon. Featuring minimal ingredients, it focuses on seasoning salmon fillets with salt and pepper before baking them to perfection. Cooked skin-side down on a baking sheet, the salmon achieves a flaky texture in just 12-15 minutes. It's designed for a healthy, straightforward meal, ideal for serving alongside a vibrant salsa or roasted squash.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet Or an oven-safe, non-stick pan.
- 2 Small Mixing Bowls For seasoning and salsa preparation.
- 1 Tongs or Fish Spatula For handling and serving delicate salmon.
- 1 Chef's knife For chopping parsley, shallot, and almonds.
- 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient ingredient preparation.
Ingredients
Main
- 12 ounce salmon fillet cut into 4 pieces
- Coarse-grained salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Toasted Almond Parsley Salsa for serving
- Baked squash for serving, optional
- 1 shallot
- 1 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Coarse grain salt
- 2 tablespoons capers rinsed
- 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon, skin side down, on a non-stick baking sheet or in a non-stick pan with an oven-proof handle. Bake until salmon is cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve with the Toasted Almond Parsley Salsa and squash, if desired.
Notes
For perfectly baked salmon, precision is key. Avoid overcooking, as salmon dries out quickly; an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal for flaky, moist results. If using skin-on fillets, ensure the skin side is down for crispy skin. For enhanced flavor and moisture, consider a light drizzle of olive oil before baking or a pat of butter. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking brightens the dish. To prevent uneven cooking, ensure fillets are roughly the same thickness. This simple preparation allows the salmon's natural richness to shine, especially when paired with a vibrant salsa or roasted vegetables.