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

Scale

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

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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.