How to Bake Salmon Like a Chef
Once you’ve finished reading this quick and easy guide, you will know how to bake salmon for your family and friends like a chef.
Wholesome, affordable and delicious are just a few of the words most commonly used to describe one of the healthiest foods on the planet, salmon. This fatty salmon fish is loaded with nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and omega-3s, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet. Whether you’re a beginner to the kitchen or a self-proclaimed home chef, cooking salmon to perfection can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be!
By following a few basic steps, you can cook salmon perfectly at home every time.
Steps to Bake Salmon Like a Chef
As long as you follow these simple steps, you will never have to worry about how to cook salmon again. You will wind up with mouth-watering results every single time! But be warned, this will become one of your favourite healthy meals. Here are the four basic steps to bake salmon like a chef:
1. Bring the Salmon to Room Temperature
One of the most important aspects of cooking salmon properly is bringing it to room temperature before you cook it. Baking the salmon once it is at room temperature helps ensure that the salmon is cooked all the way evenly through. When the salmon fillet is still cold from the fridge, baking a salmon fillet will likely overcook the outside and undercook the inside. To avoid uneven cooking, let the filet rest on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before you’re ready to cook.
2. Season the Salmon
Before seasoning the salmon fillet, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. Once you’ve done this, rub oil onto the top of the filet. Make sure to use a neutral-tasting oil that can handle high heat, like olive oil or avocado oil. Next, sprinkle the seasonings of your choice onto the salmon and pat them onto the fillet. Salmon is an incredibly versatile fish, meaning most spice blends will work well with it. You can get creative with a combination of your favourite savoury spices or keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Bake the Salmon
Next, you’re going to bake the salmon in the oven at 450°F. A good rule of thumb is to bake salmon for approximately 4 to 6 minutes for every half-inch thickness. If you have a meat thermometer, try to make sure your salmon is between 135°F and 145°F by the time it’s finished cooking. If you don’t have one, don’t worry. As long as the salmon flakes easily and is opaque in colour, it’s ready to eat.
4. Garnish and Serve
Now for the fun part! The key to a show-stopping plate is garnishing with ingredients that brighten up your dish in flavour and colour. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the salmon and plate it with some lemon slices for the ultimate baked salmon dish. As for side dishes for baked salmon, I like to keep it simple with rice or potatoes and some green vegetables. You could also serve salmon with pasta, salad, couscous or if you really want to give it an extra nutritious kick, then quinoa.
By following these four simple steps to bake salmon, I guarantee you’ll wind up with delicious and flavourful results every time – enjoy! Browse our range of seafood products available to purchase online for more seafood meal inspiration, or check out the blog for other great tips and information!
If you are a Salmon lover, make sure to check out the award-winning traditional rope hung smoked salmon that is an absolute winner at breakfast time.
