Baked Fresh Salmon Recipe

Salmon: Fresh fillets of salmon are the star of this dish, providing a rich and flavorful base.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps to carry the flavors of the other ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the natural taste of the salmon and other ingredients.

Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

To ensure your salmon stays moist and flavorful, try marinating the fillets in the olive oil mixture for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. This allows the lemon juice and garlic to penetrate the fish, enhancing its taste and tenderness.

• fresh salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative for baked dishes.

• fresh salmon - Substitute with arctic char: Arctic char has a mild flavor and a similar fat content, which makes it a suitable replacement.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for baking.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is light and has a high smoke point, suitable for baking fish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral flavor.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and can be used in smaller quantities for a spicy kick.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and can provide a fresh, tangy flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used to add a tangy flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent. Use about ¼ teaspoon for each clove.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild garlic flavor and can be used in a slightly larger quantity to achieve a similar taste.

• Allow the salmon to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the fish soggy.

• Once cooled, transfer the salmon fillets to an airtight container. If you have multiple fillets, place a piece of parchment paper between each to prevent them from sticking together.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the salmon within 3 days. For longer storage, proceed to freezing.

• To freeze, wrap each salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn and maintain the fish's moisture.

• Place the wrapped fillets in a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to further protect against freezer burn.

• Label the freezer bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the salmon has been stored.

• When ready to use, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

• For a quicker thaw, place the sealed freezer bag in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the salmon is fully thawed.

• Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the salmon with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the salmon fillets on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the salmon with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the salmon fillets in a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 125°F (52°C).
  2. Place the salmon fillets in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 15 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Oven: Used to bake the salmon fillets at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the salmon fillets on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

• Brush: Helps to evenly coat the salmon fillets with the olive oil mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

• Garlic press: Minces the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Fork: Used to check if the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the lemon to squeeze out the juice.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to mince the garlic and cut the lemon.

Pre-mix the marinade: Combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic in advance and store it in the fridge.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Portion the salmon: Buy pre-portioned salmon fillets to save time on cutting.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients.

Minimize prep time: Use a garlic press to quickly mince the garlic.