Cooking salmon in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare this flavorful fish. Here's a basic method for baking salmon in the oven:
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets or steaks
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Lemon slices, fresh herbs (such as dill, thyme, or parsley) for added flavor
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets or steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps the fish cook more evenly and ensures a better texture.
Season the Salmon: Drizzle a little olive oil over the salmon, and then season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like lemon slices or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Use a Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: Place the seasoned salmon in a baking dish or on a lined sheet pan. If using a baking dish, you can lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Bake the Salmon: Put the baking dish or sheet pan with the salmon into the preheated oven. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets or steaks. As a general guideline, bake for about 12-15 minutes per inch of thickness. For example, if your salmon is 1-inch thick, bake for 12-15 minutes; if it's 1.5 inches thick, bake for 18-22 minutes.
Check for Doneness: Salmon is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork. It should be opaque and slightly pink in the center. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become dry.
Serve: Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or your favorite sauce if desired.
Tips:
- For even cooking, try to choose salmon fillets or steaks of similar thickness.
- If you want to add a glaze or marinade, you can brush it over the salmon before baking. Just be careful not to let sweet glazes burn by checking the salmon during baking.
- To retain moisture, you can cover the salmon with foil while baking, but this will result in less crispy skin (if your salmon has skin).
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or citrus fruits to create unique flavor combinations.
Baking salmon in the oven is a straightforward and reliable method that yields tasty and tender fish. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes for a wholesome meal!