Lemon-Herb Crusted Baked Salmon: a Weeknight Wonder
Right then, let's dive into something scrumptious, shall we? ever found yourself wondering what to rustle up for a quick and healthy dinner? well, i've got you covered.
Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours. today, it's all about salmon recipes baked to perfection!
A Weeknight Wonder: Lemon Herb Salmon
This recipe delivers flaky, flavorful fish in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for those hectic weeknights. Think bright lemon, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked salmon. Honestly, what could be better?
This dish has a cultural significance reaching into scandinavian roots. it's easy to make, only takes about half an hour, and serves four hungry bellies.
Salmon has a lot of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Why This Salmon Is The Business
One of the main benefits? it's packed with those heart healthy omega-3s. serve it up for a cosy family dinner, or even a cheeky date night in.
What makes it special? the simple yet elegant lemon herb crust elevates the humble salmon to something truly special. it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Speaking of crowd pleasers, have you ever tried Parmesan Zucchini Fries ? They're a cracking side dish to go with this salmon! Also, if you are wondering about more Recipes With Zucchini , stay tuned to see how to make Zucchini Fries Baked next time!
Now, let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we? First on the list is 4 Salmon fillets.
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? we're talking ingredients and kit for the best salmon recipes baked .
Nothing too fancy, promise! i had a right mare once trying to make something too complicated. never again. let's keep it simple, yeah?
Ingredients & Equipment
The Stars of the Show: Salmon, Lemon, Herbs!
Alright, here's what you'll need for four lucky souls. first, grab 4 (6-ounce/170g) salmon fillets. skin on or off, your shout.
Quality matters, you know? look for salmon that's bright pink and doesn't smell too fishy. a bit like when you are looking for fresh fish and chips, they should not smell too fishy! you'll also need 1 tablespoon/15ml of olive oil, plus salt and pepper.
Now, for that lovely crust: 1/4 cup/30g of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons/30ml of melted, unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon/15ml of fresh lemon juice (fresh is best, trust me!), 1 tablespoon/15ml each of chopped fresh parsley and dill, 1 teaspoon/5ml of lemon zest, and one minced clove of garlic.
Honestly, the smell alone is worth it.
Seasoning Shenanigans: Spice It Up!
This lemon herb combo is the bee's knees. but feel free to play around! a little pinch of red pepper flakes will add a spicy kick.
Or try mixing in some dried herbs if you're in a pinch. for extra depth, add paprika! a proper flavour bomb.
It adds a nice colour to the salmon recipes baked too.
Don't have lemon juice? a tiny dash of white wine vinegar works alright. honestly, you can normally change a few things around, even if you're trying to make zucchini fries baked by cutting courgettes a bit thicker, you know.
Kit You'll Need: Keep It Basic
You don't need a fancy michelin star kitchen for this. a baking sheet will be grand. some parchment paper too, for easy cleanup.
A small mixing bowl and a fork for that crust mixture. and maybe a meat thermometer if you are like me when first trying to use recipes with zucchini .
If you don't have parchment, a bit of oil on the baking sheet will do the trick. no need to panic! and you can always use a regular fork if you don't own a whisk.
I bet, if you were to make parmesan zucchini fries you could bake them in the same tray you are using now to make the salmon.
So there you have it! All the ingredients and equipment you need to make your cracking salmon dish. Now go on, get cooking. If I can do it, anyone can!
And don't forget, if you have tons of courgettes left over from another recipe, like a fried zucchini recipe easy you can always chuck them in with the salmon, or you can try zucchini pommes as a side dish.
They are basically healthy fries you can add to your fries recipes , zucchini ideas ! and they are normally easier to make than cauliflower snacks , as courgettes are less messy.
Right, off you go!
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. we're talking about cooking methods today. specifically, we are going to be covering salmon recipes baked .
Honestly, baking is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon. it's proper simple. you know? and cleanup is usually a breeze.
What's not to love?
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Okay, first things first, get your mise en place sorted. it sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready.
It is essential for a stress free cooking experience. it saves you from scrambling around like a headless chicken later. grab your salmon fillets , the bits for the lemon herb crust, and get your baking sheet ready.
To save time, chop your herbs and mince the garlic before you even turn on the oven. trust me, it makes a difference.
And a quick reminder, always wash your hands before handling food. food safety is dead important.
From Fridge to Fabulous: Baking the Salmon
Alright, here's the actual process, plain and simple:
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Lads, don't forget this bit.
- Pat those salmon fillets proper dry.
- Mix together your breadcrumbs, melted butter, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic. This is your lemon herb crust.
- Slather that yummy mixture all over the top of the salmon. Don't be shy, now.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes , or until the salmon is cooked through. Use a fork to check. It should flake easily. Internal temperature should be 145° F ( 63° C).
Pro Tips for Brilliant Baked Salmon
Want to take your salmon game to the next level? Here are a couple of tricks I've learned over the years:
One common mistake is overcooking. overcooked salmon is dry and sad. use a meat thermometer if you're unsure. and if you want to be really posh, you can broil for a minute or two at the end for a crispy crust, but watch it like a hawk.
Craving fries recipes to go with your salmon? you can easily bake some parmesan zucchini fries . just slice zucchini into zucchini pommes shape, toss with parmesan, herbs, and bake until golden! or whip up some cauliflower snacks , super tasty.
Want more zucchini ideas ? a quick fried zucchini recipe easy is delicious too. if you want even healthier fries, try zucchini fries baked .
They're fantastic, and can be included on your healthy fries list, for sure.
Honestly, you can make the lemon herb crust a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Saves you even more time on a busy weeknight!
So there you have it. Simple, delicious, and surprisingly impressive baked salmon. Now, go on and give it a go!
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. You've nailed the Salmon Recipes Baked , instructions, haven't you? But, what about all those little bits and bobs that make a good recipe great? Let's chinwag about that, shall we?
Recipe Notes: Sorted!
Honestly, the devil is in the details. These little extras will elevate your baked salmon from "alright" to "Oh my gosh, this is divine!".
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters. even if you are scoffing it down on the sofa. honestly, a bit of effort makes a difference.
How about a bed of vibrant green asparagus spears? or maybe some fluffy quinoa alongside? don't forget a lemon wedge for a zesty squirt.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc would be spot-on. i once served it with a simple fried zucchini recipe easy , honestly, it was a flavour match made in heaven!.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries. pop that salmon in the fridge in an airtight container. it's good for about 2-3 days.
Freezing baked salmon is tricky, tbh. it can get a bit dry. if you must, wrap it well in cling film and then foil.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds. if you are feeling fancy, you can also add parmesan cheese or even use it to make amazing parmesan zucchini fries .
Healthy fries options are always a win! you could also swap out the herbs. in the winter, rosemary and thyme work a treat.
For a lighter feel, try basil and mint. how about some tasty cauliflower snacks on the side, instead of fries? the possibilities are endless with salmon and zucchini, for a quick and easy dinner! what are your favourite zucchini ideas ?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness on a Plate
This baked salmon is proper good for you. loads of protein to keep you feeling full. packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are ace for your heart and brain.
Lower in carbs, making it a great option if you are watching your weight. it's a win-win!. you know?, some people even use zucchini as an ingredient to make these kinds of plates, have you tried it?, there are a lot of recipes with zucchini
Honestly, give these tips a go. they will make all the difference. baking salmon is a doddle, and with these extra bits, you are onto a winner.
Now, off you pop and get experimenting!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to tell if my baked salmon is cooked properly? I don't want to end up with a dry bit of fish!
Nobody wants a salmon that's drier than the Sahara! The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don't have one, gently flake the salmon with a fork. If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it's ready.
Remember, it will continue to cook a little even after you take it out of the oven, so err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than overdone.
Can I use frozen salmon for these "salmon recipes baked," and if so, how do I need to adjust the recipe?
Absolutely, frozen salmon works a treat! Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Pat it dry really well before adding any coatings and it will cook well. Add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure the salmon is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
I'm trying to eat healthier. How can I make this baked salmon recipe even more nutritious?
Good on you for keeping an eye on the nutrition! Firstly, if you don't have it already, leave the skin on, as this provides healthy fats. Secondly, load up on the fresh herbs they're packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Finally, serve it with a generous helping of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or a vibrant salad. You could even use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a lighter crust option!
My family's a bit picky what variations can I make to this baked salmon recipe to keep things interesting?
Don't you worry your socks off! This recipe is ripe for customization. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon herb crust or a touch of sriracha. If your family prefers a richer flavor, try a Parmesan crust by substituting half the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
A Dijon glaze made with Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a splash of soy sauce is also a winner. Switch up the herbs with what you have in your garden.
How long will leftover baked salmon keep, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover baked salmon will keep in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When reheating, the goal is to warm it through without drying it out.
The best method is to reheat it gently in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a pan on the stovetop with a little butter or oil, or in the microwave at 30-second intervals. Microwaving risks drying it out more than other options.
Can I prepare the lemon herb crust ahead of time for this baked salmon recipe?
Absolutely, prepping ahead can save you precious time! You can easily make the lemon herb crust a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it over the salmon.
This way, you’re just a quick salmon prep and bake away from your cracking "salmon recipes baked" dinner!
Lemon Herb Crusted Baked Salmon A Weeknight Wond
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
