Whole Baked Salmon is an impressive and delicious way to prepare salmon, perfect for special occasions or a family-style meal. Baking a whole salmon allows the fish to retain its moisture and flavor, creating a tender, flaky texture. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for baking a whole salmon:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole salmon Filet (about 3-4 lbs), gutted and cleaned, scales removed (ask your fishmonger to do this if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4-6 garlic cloves, smashed (or minced if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and retains moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
- Clean and Dry: Make sure the salmon is fully cleaned, gutted, and the scales are removed. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet or Pan: Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You can also lightly grease the pan with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
- Oil the Fish: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the whole salmon. Rub it gently into the skin and flesh to coat evenly. This helps keep the fish moist and flavorful.
- Stuff the Salmon:
- Stuff the cavity of the salmon with a few lemon slices, garlic cloves
- Season the Outside:
- Sprinkle the entire fish with salt and pepper. You can also add a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary on top of the fish for extra fragrance.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
- Bake: Place the salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the fish, so check for doneness after 20 minutes.
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fish.
- Optional Broil: For a crispy skin, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 3-4 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve
- Check for Doneness: Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the oven. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake apart.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter if desired.
- Serve: Serve the whole salmon on a large platter with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Salmon: You can use wild-caught or farm-raised salmon for this recipe. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor, but farm-raised is often fattier and juicier.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked. It’s best to check it around 20 minutes and remove it once it’s done.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or tarragon. Adding a drizzle of honey or a dash of Dijon mustard can also give the fish a sweet and tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vegetables: Serve the salmon with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes. You can roast the vegetables in the same oven as the salmon for a simple one-pan meal.
- Side Dishes: Steamed rice, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh salad would complement the richness of the salmon.
- Sauces: Serve with a simple sauce like tartar sauce, hollandaise, or a fresh lemon butter sauce to elevate the dish.
Baking a whole salmon Filet is a great way to enjoy the full flavor of the fish, and it makes for an impressive yet easy main dish. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this Whole Baked Salmon Filet will surely be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!