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If you are craving a dish that tastes like sunshine on a plate, you have to try this delightful Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe. This salmon recipe captures the rich, vibrant flavors of sockeye salmon while perfectly balancing zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, creating a mouthwatering meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is straightforward, impressive, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that bring out the best in sockeye salmon. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding moisture, brightness, or a touch of heat, so don’t skip on freshness or quality here.
- 1 1/2 pounds sockeye salmon: The star of the show, known for its deep red color and rich, full-bodied flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky, luscious texture and helps the seasonings penetrate the fish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, citrusy zing that complements the salmon’s natural richness.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes: Adds a touch of herbaceous freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly, never overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and tackles the richness nicely.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- 1/2 lemon (thinly sliced): Used to top the salmon, adding beautiful color and a final burst of citrus fragrance.
- Optional – 1 tablespoon fresh dill for serving: A fresh herb garnish that elevates the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The very first move is to crank your oven up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will ensure your salmon cooks quickly, sealing in moisture and allowing those incredible flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Place your sockeye salmon on a large sheet of aluminum foil, laid out on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Pat the surface of the fish dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps your marinade stick and avoids sogginess.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle this vibrant mixture evenly over the salmon, making sure every bite gets a hint of these bold, complementary tastes. Then gently lay thin lemon slices across the top for that pop of fragrance and color.
Step 4: Seal the Salmon in Foil
Bring the edges of the aluminum foil up and carefully fold them to create a sturdy, enclosed packet. This method traps steam and flavors, essentially steaming your salmon gently while baking, keeping it moist and tender throughout.
Step 5: Bake, Then Broil
Pop the foil packet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once the majority of the cooking is done, open the foil gently and switch your oven to broil on high. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a gorgeous, slightly caramelized finish on top—just watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove the salmon from the oven, transfer to plates, and if you like, sprinkle on fresh dill for brightness and an herbaceous lift. The salmon will be flaky, juicy, and bursting with that perfect lemon and garlic flavor combination you were dreaming of.
How to Serve Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a delightful aromatic finish and color contrast. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the plate just before serving also brightens the whole dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides such as roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Light couscous or quinoa also make lovely companions, soaking up any extra juices left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, try serving the salmon right in the foil packet on individual plates, allowing guests to enjoy that steamy, aromatic reveal. Alternatively, flake the salmon onto a bed of wild rice or mixed greens for a colorful, textured meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe, simply allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While salmon tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, taking care not to overcook it. You can also microwave on medium power briefly, but watch closely to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sockeye salmon’s rich flavor makes it a favorite in this Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe, you can substitute with coho, king, or Atlantic salmon for a slightly different but equally delicious result.
Do I need to marinate the salmon beforehand?
This recipe doesn’t require a long marination since the olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices are applied right before baking, which helps keep the prep quick without sacrificing flavor.
Is it necessary to broil at the end of baking?
Broiling adds a slight caramelization and texture contrast on top of the salmon, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor. You can skip this step if desired, but the broil adds that lovely finishing touch.
Can I prepare this recipe without aluminum foil?
Using foil helps keep the salmon moist and prevents sticking, but if you prefer, you can bake the salmon in a lightly oiled baking dish. Just be sure to check it frequently to avoid drying out.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the crushed red pepper flakes?
Definitely! The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can leave them out for a milder dish without compromising the overall deliciousness of the Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe quickly becomes a go-to that you’ll find yourself making time and again. It’s the kind of dish that is effortless yet packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress but keep things simple. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients that make this salmon truly shine.
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Baked Sockeye Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Sockeye Salmon recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, moist salmon infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. The salmon is baked in a foil packet to lock in moisture and finished under the broiler for a deliciously caramelized top. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe yields four generous servings and requires minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds sockeye salmon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lemon (thinly sliced)
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for perfectly baked salmon.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon on a large sheet of aluminum foil laid on a rimmed baking sheet. Pat the salmon dry gently using a paper towel to help the marinade adhere.
- Make Marinade and Apply: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried parsley flakes, sea salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the salmon, coating all sides. Arrange the thin lemon slices over the top of the salmon.
- Create Foil Packet: Fold and cinch the sides of the aluminum foil together to form a sealed packet around the salmon, locking in moisture during baking.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the salmon foil packet in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, carefully open the foil and switch the oven to broil on high. Broil the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the top, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh dill if desired, for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry helps the marinade stick better and promotes even cooking.
- Using foil packets locks in moisture, preventing the salmon from drying out.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice caramelized finish, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds a lovely herbal aroma and flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste based on your preferred spice level.
