Cooking salmon in the oven is a straightforward and delicious method. Here's a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets or steaks
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Herbs (such as dill, thyme, or rosemary) for additional flavor
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This temperature works well for cooking salmon.
Prepare the salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets or steaks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If using skin-on salmon, make sure the skin is scaled and cleaned.
Season the salmon: Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle a little olive oil over the fish to keep it moist during cooking. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional herbs for extra flavor.
Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet with the salmon into the preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets or steaks:
- For fillets that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick, bake for 12-15 minutes.
- For thicker fillets or steaks, you may need to bake for 15-20 minutes.
Keep in mind that the salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Check for doneness: To check if the salmon is cooked, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist. The salmon should be flaky and opaque in the center.
Serve: Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven. You can serve it as is or with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Now you have a deliciously baked salmon that's perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal!