If you’re looking to learn how to bake salmon, start by knowing that this recipe is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for making a tasty and healthy meal in less than 20 minutes.
With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, it’s a go-to choice for busy weeknights. Plus, the salmon always turns out moist and delicious.
This guide will take you through the easiest and most enjoyable method to bake a delicious salmon.
What Are the Types of Salmon?
It might surprise you, but there are five main kinds of salmon. Well, technically there are seven types, but you’ll mostly come across five. These fish can be small, weighing about five pounds, or they can grow really big, reaching up to 126 pounds!
Some types of salmon live in freshwater, some in saltwater, and some in both, depending on the time of year. All of the five main types of salmon are from the Pacific region.
- Sockeye salmon is red and has less fat compared to other kinds. People like this type a lot, and it’s really tasty.
- King or Chinook salmon is super fatty and quite expensive. You’d likely find it in fancy fish markets or upscale restaurants. Its texture is really enjoyable.
- Pink salmon is quite small and pale. It’s often used for canning, so you’ll find it in canned salmon.
- Chum salmon is known for its eggs, called roe. These are the little eggs you might see in sushi rolls. The name might not sound great, but you can’t judge a fish by its name, can you?
- Coho salmon is another popular type, and it has a milder taste. You’ve probably seen pictures of fishermen proudly holding up a huge salmon.
How To Bake Salmon
Here, we will take you through the process of baking a salmon from the ingredients you will need down to steps on how to make it.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Salmon Fillets – Look for fresh salmon fillets that are pink, moist, and nice. If not, you can also get frozen fillets that are sealed well and not frosty.
- Olive Oil or vegetable oil.
- Black Pepper.
- Minced Garlic.
- Italian Herb Seasoning Blend (or Herbs de Provence).
Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat.
- First, heat the oven to 400 degrees and put some grease on a big baking pan to stop sticking. Place the salmon fillets on the pan and sprinkle them with enough salt and pepper.
2: Stir.
- Mix the olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and juice from half of the lemon. Pour this mix over the salmon fillets, making sure it covers the tops and sides so there’s no dry part. Cut the other half of the lemon into thin slices and put one on each piece of salmon.
Step 3: Bake.
- Put the salmon in the oven and bake it for around 12 to 15 minutes. Check if it’s white and flakes apart easily with a fork. If you want, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes to give it a nice top.
4: Garnish (optional).
- If you like, you can add fresh thyme or parsley on top for a nice look, and then you’re ready to serve
How To Know When Salmon Is Done Baking
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, there are a couple of ways to tell if your salmon is cooked.
While it bakes, the salmon changes colour from red to pink. You can check if it’s done by cutting into the thickest part with a knife. The middle should still be a bit see-through and starting to break into pieces.
Tips For Perfectly Baked Salmon
- Be careful not to bake the salmon at a really high or really low temperature, or it will become dry. To keep it moist, you can cover the salmon while it cooks.
- If you leave the skin on the salmon, it acts like a shield between the salmon and the heat, which helps the salmon stay juicy.
- Cooking the salmon with gentle, low heat is the smartest way to bake it and prevents it from drying out.
Make sure to remember, you only need to cook salmon in the oven for around 12-15 minutes. If you go beyond that, it will become dry and overcooked.
How To Store and Reheat
Storing your salmon is easy. Just place it in a sealed container or wrap it tightly with aluminium foil, then store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for approximately 3 to 4 days.
For reheating salmon from the oven, it’s best to warm it slowly and at a low temperature. Adding a bit of water can also help keep it moist. it’s better to reheat all kinds of salmon in the oven or on the stovetop instead of using the microwave. Microwaving tends to dry out meat more quickly when reheating.
Is Salmon Healthy?
Salmon is an excellent provider of animal protein and nearly a flawless source of omega-3s (like what you get in many fish oil capsules). It’s packed with protein, vitamin B, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s also lower in calories and unhealthy fats compared to many red meat choices, plus it contains no carbs, fibre, or sugar.
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