COOKED SALMON

Salmon Symphony: A Simple Yet Flavorful Baked Salmon

This recipe is poised to become your new weeknight hero – Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs. Imagine a succulent, flaky salmon fillet, infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. A touch of honey adds a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the savory and citrusy notes, making this dish a symphony of taste and aroma. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it's also surprisingly easy to prepare. So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to impress your taste buds with this restaurant-quality salmon dish made in the comfort of your own home!

Ingredients for Salmon Perfection (Serves 2):

• Lemony Love (2 Lemons): Thinly sliced lemons add a burst of bright citrus flavor and create a beautiful bed for the salmon to rest on while baking.
• Salmon Star (1 Salmon Fillet): This is the star of the show! Choose a fresh, high-quality fillet for the best results. Opt for options like King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, or Coho Salmon, based on your preference and availability.
• Seasoning Savvy (Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper): A simple yet essential step, salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the salmon. Season generously, but to your taste.
• Garlic Butter Glaze (The Magic Maker):
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted butter provides a rich and decadent base for the glaze, adding moisture and a luxurious texture.
• 2 tablespoons honey: A touch of honey beautifully complements the savory and citrusy notes, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the glaze with a delightful garlicky aroma and flavor. Don't skip the garlic – it's a key player!
• 1 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbaceous quality, elevating the entire dish. If fresh thyme is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Dried oregano adds another layer of complexity to the herb profile.
• Fresh Finish (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Bliss:

1. Preheat for Perfection: Get your oven ready – preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
2. Foil Prep: Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. For easy cleanup, lightly coat the foil with cooking spray.
3. Lemony Foundation: Arrange the thinly sliced lemons in an even layer in the center of the foil-lined baking tray. These lemon slices will not only add a burst of citrus flavor but will also help keep the salmon moist as it bakes.
4. Seasoning the Star: Generously season both sides of the salmon fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning – this step is essential for drawing out the salmon's natural flavors.
5. Lemon Love Nest: Place the seasoned salmon fillet on top of the lemon slices, nestled comfortably in its citrusy bed.
6. Garlic Butter Heaven: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme leaves, and dried oregano. This flavorful concoction will be your salmon's glaze, and it's what truly elevates this dish to another level.
7. Glaze and Wrap: Generously pour the prepared garlic butter glaze all over the salmon fillet, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Carefully wrap the salmon loosely with the aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet. This allows the salmon to steam gently and absorb all the delicious flavors from the glaze and the lemon slices.
8. Baking to Perfection: Place the wrapped salmon in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the salmon to cook through gently while absorbing all the flavors.
9. Crispy Finish (Optional): After 25 minutes of baking, if you prefer a slightly crispy top on your salmon, switch your oven to broil. Carefully unwrap the salmon (be cautious of hot steam!) and broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step creates a beautiful caramelized glaze on the surface of the salmon.
10. Fresh Touch: Once cooked through, remove the salmon from the oven and garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.
11. Serve and Savor: Carefully unwrap your salmon and transfer it to a serving plate. The salmon will be flaky and moist, bursting with flavor from the lemon, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. Pair it with your

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Complementary Sides:
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the salmon beautifully.
• A bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or rice provides a comforting base to soak up the flavorful glaze.
• For a lighter option, pair your salmon with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
• Variations to Explore:
• Herb Heaven: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the glaze. Chopped fresh rosemary, basil, or dill can add unique flavor profiles.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.
• Glaze Alternatives: For a sweeter glaze, use brown sugar instead of honey. Alternatively, for a more Asian-inspired twist, use a glaze made with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger.
• Salmon Selection: While this recipe works well with various salmon options, using skin-on salmon adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Crisp up the skin by searing it in a hot skillet before placing it on the lemon slices and baking.

Tips for Success:

• Fresh is Best: Use the freshest salmon fillet possible for the best results. Fresh salmon should have a vibrant pink color and a mild, pleasant scent.
• Don't Overcook: The key to perfectly cooked salmon is to avoid overcooking it. The salmon is finished when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Let it Rest: After removing the salmon from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more moist and flavorful experience.

With these tips and variations, you can customize this Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs to suit your taste preferences and create endless flavor combinations. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to savor this restaurant-worthy salmon dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!