A perfectly baked salmon is a beautiful thing. The right combination of spices, seasonings, and cooking times can produce a succulent and flavourful dinner that everyone will be talking about for weeks to come. And yet, finding the perfect baked salmon recipe can sometimes feel like an impossible task. To make matters worse, each time we cook it, we’re left wondering if we got it just right this time or if there’s still room for improvement in our technique. Luckily for you (and me!), here are some tips for achieving delicious perfection in the next meal you make.
Right Before Cooking with Perfect Baked Salmon
There are a few things you should know about perfect baked salmon before it goes into the oven. First, salted, and peppered salmon should be placed in the oven immediately after being seasoned. If you wait too long, the flesh will dry out and become tough; if you don’t wait long enough, the center of your fillet might not cook evenly with its edges. Second, make sure that you’re cooking over medium heat so that both sides of your fillet can caramelize at roughly identical rates. Thirdly and this is probably obvious don’t overcook it! Salmon should be cooked until medium rare: pinkish in colour yet opaque throughout (you shouldn’t see any redness).
Seasoning Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is an easy-to-make and simple dish. The basic seasoning for baked salmon is salt, pepper, and olive oil. However, there are many other options available to you if you want to make your baked salmon even more special. You can use a dry rub or wet rub before cooking the fish; a marinade while cooking the fish in the oven; a sauce after it’s cooked through, or even a glaze on top of it when serving it up.
Placing the salmon in the oven
Next, you’ll want to place the perfect baked salmon in a baking dish. The baking dish should be large enough to hold the fish, and it should ideally have a lid. If your baking dish does not have a lid, wrap aluminum foil around the rim of the dish before placing it in the oven.
While we’re on this subject if you don’t already have an oven-safe baking dish for cooking salmon at home, we highly recommend buying one! Oven-safe glass casserole dishes are perfect for making baked salmon (and seafood in general) in your kitchen or at campfires where there is no electricity.
Baking Time
Baking time also depends on the thickness of the perfect baked salmon. It takes about 10 minutes per inch of thickness to cook it through, so if you have a 1-inch-thick piece, you should bake it for roughly 20 minutes. The salmon is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily when poked with a fork or knife.
Serving the Perfect Baked Salmon
The perfect baked salmon is a tribute to the versatility of this fish. It can be served with lemon wedges, with a side of vegetables, or with a side of rice, potatoes, or noodles. There are endless combinations and you’re sure to find one that works for your taste buds.
It might seem like there is no difference between cooking salmon in an oven versus on the stovetop but there are differences between the two methods if you know what to look for. The method used depends largely on what kind of result you want from your meal. If you’re looking for an easy way to cook salmon, then baking it in an oven will provide exactly what you need no fussing around!
Serving Suggestions
Served with a side of rice or potatoes and a fresh salad, this perfect baked salmon will make you feel like a gourmet chef. Go for something light and fluffy like wild rice or quinoa, which can be easily prepared in the same amount of time it takes to bake the fish! If you’re not feeling up to making sides at all, try steamed vegetables such as broccoli or carrots. Or go for something fun and whimsical: why not serve this dish with a fresh fruit salad?
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
Use a baking sheet. The first thing you’ll want to do is place the salmon on top of a baking sheet. You can use any type of non-stick sheet, but we recommend using parchment paper to ensure that it won’t stick to the pan and make it difficult for you to take out later.
Place your salmon in the center of your oven. Next, place your perfect baked salmon in the center of your oven and set it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius). This temperature should cook through most types of salmon within 15 minutes.
Let sit for 10 minutes after taking it out from the heat source. After letting it cool slightly for 10 minutes after taking it out from the heat source (and turning it off), we encourage letting stand another 5-8 minutes before serving as well!
The right baked salmon is hard to find but won’t disappoint.
Whether you’re looking for a baked salmon recipe or are simply craving the perfect fish, it’s easy to see why this dish is so popular. Baked salmon has a unique flavour that goes well with many different types of sauces and can be paired with just about any side dish.
However, finding the right baked salmon recipe can be tricky due to its popularity especially if you want something simple and delicious. The trick to finding the perfect baked salmon is knowing what type of sauce will best suit your palette and knowing how much time you have available. If you can find a delicious sauce that complements the natural flavours in your fish without overpowering them, then you’re well on your way toward enjoying an unforgettable meal!
Conclusion
So, we know this is a lot of information. But it’s worth it! The right perfect baked salmon is hard to find but won’t disappoint. If you follow these tips and tricks, you will be well on your way to serving a dish that will bring tears of joy to your eyes every time you eat it (in our case, at least). So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
