Baked Wild Salmon with Carmalised Lemons
April 14, 2020How To Make Delicious Baked Salmon with Caramelized Lemons
Of all fish in the world, salmon is one of the widely favored. Salmon is full of flavor, easy to cook, and also quite affordable. Salmon steaks are firm enough to use in a variety of dishes and have a rich flavor profile that lends a unique taste to any meal. If you are looking to change your diet into one that supports a healthier lifestyle, cooking coho salmon is a great way to do it.
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Thanks to the ease of fishing in Alaska as well as the abundance of fish, baking whole salmon is pretty affordable. No matter where you live, buying fresh salmon from Alaska is easier than ever. There are a lot of salmon species to choose from and there is a hot debate over which is actually the best. But even if you love baked sockeye salmon or prefer Coho baked salmon with lemon and dill , you can never go wrong with a fresh of any of these varieties.
5 Types of Alaskan Salmon You Can Cook This Weekend
Before cooking whole salmon in your oven or on the grill this weekend, take a few minutes to determine which type of salmon you plan to prepare for your feast. Understanding what to cook with salmon has a lot to do with the type of salmon you plan to prepare.
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All types of salmon have the same firm meat and fresh flavor you expect from the species, but there are small flavor differences that will pair well with a diverse range of spices and side dishes. The most common types of salmon on the market are:
No matter which one you choose, you will love how our recipes bring their flavors to life. If you are wondering how to cook Coho salmon , you will love our easy to make preparation for baked salmon with lemon. With just a few ingredients and a hot oven, you can create a feast for your family that will tickle their taste buds and leave them fully satiated.
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Our baked salmon and lemon recipe can be used with any kind of salmon for the same mouthwatering results. To make your meals even easier, if you don’t have an oven or prefer to take your cooking outside, you can also cook salmon on the grill in foil as a healthy alternative.
What You Will Need For Baked Lemon Salmon
In order to properly execute baking salmon with lemon , you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole cleaned salmon with the fins trimmed.
- 2 large sliced lemons
- Whole star anise
- The stalks of Sage, Basil, & Rosemary
- A whole bud of unpeeled garlic
- Lemon-grass that has been cut in half with the stalks crushed
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Shallow baking dish or cookie sheet
- Aluminum foil
Cook & Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Alaskan salmon is much easier to find than it was a few years ago, but most stores will sell filets or precut fish. Our recipe calls for a whole fish, but you can also use thick salmon steaks when a whole fish is otherwise unavailable. When baking whole salmon in foil, it is also important to make sure the fins are trimmed to prevent burning. Make sure to use fresh herbs and not dehydrated herbs to get the fullest flavor profile for this dish.
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Cooking Baked Salmon With Caramelized Lemons
For this baking whole salmon recipe you will need to prepare the fish by scoring the sides with a sharp knife. Make sure to cut into the skin, but not too deep into the flesh. These cuts will allow the fish to cook properly while also allowing the rich flavors to permeate the meat.
The next step to create the perfect baked whole salmon, apply two layers of foil to your baking dish or cookie tray. On the bottom of the tray add your herbs. Gently squeeze your garlic enough to break the cloves and liberally distribute those over the herbs. Next, for our baked salmon recipe lemon is to add the fish on the bed of herbs and then set aside.
Caramelized lemons are the next step for a perfect lemon salmon baked delight. In a large skillet placed over a medium flame, add just enough olive or avocado oil to lubricate the bottom of the pan. Once heated, add your lemon slices, salt, and pepper to taste, and then cook uncovered for 3 minutes until they are properly caramelized.
Add your caramelized lemons both inside of the fish and on top and then sprinkle star anise for flavor over the fish. Add more salt, avocado oil, and pepper over the top of the fish and then seal in a “tent”. Your oven should be heated to 375⁰, add your fish and allow it to bake for at least 30 minutes. When it is done, allow the fish to rest for 5 minutes, remove the fish skin with a butter knife, and serve boneless with lemons and a fresh hollandaise sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon
How many calories are in a serving of salmon?
Salmon has a high nutrient profile but is naturally low in calories and fat. If you follow our recipe, baked salmon calories per serving will only be 180 calories per 4 ounces serving.
What is the best side dish to serve with salmon?
There are many dishes you can serve alongside salmon that will complement its flavor profile. Crisp green beans with a lemon garnish are great for baked salmon or you can also opt for a side of broiled or steamed winter vegetables. Mashed herb potatoes are a classic choice or you can choose pasta or grains to make it a whole meal.
How long does it take to bake salmon?
Unlike chicken or beef, fish tends to stay the same color even when it is fully cooked. If you are curious about how to know if salmon is done baking, you can always take an internal temperature. Also, the meat of the salmon will turn from a translucent red to an light pink. For a whole fish simply peel back the skin to check, or for a salmon steak, you can visually check the color.
What is the best way to defrost salmon?
If you have frozen salmon that needs to be defrosted, there is a proper way to go about it. Avoid placing fish in hot water or you will end up parboiling the meat. Instead, take a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Put your fish in a plastic bag and then place it in the bowl of cold water. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to fully defrost. If it is still slightly frozen, change the water after 30 minutes and let it sit for another 15 minutes to finish thawing.
How do you know when salmon is fully cooked?
Properly cooked fish will retain its nutrients while offering a delicious treat for your tastebuds. The proper salmon cook temp to know when salmon is fully cooked is when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Cooked salmon will have an opaque pink color while raw salmon will look translucent and red.
Is Salmon Healthy?
Fish is always healthy, and baked salmon nutrition facts will encourage you to serve your family salmon every week. The fish is packed with magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Baking fish instead of frying it helps to keep the fat content down while also retaining the healthy benefits salmon has to offer.