Welcome to the world of simple yet flavorful cooking with our Oven Baked Salmon Delight! This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, bringing together the fresh flavors of lemon, dill, and garlic with succulent salmon. It's quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Salmon fillets are the star, offering a rich, buttery texture and a wealth of omega-3s. Choose fresh, high-quality fillets for the best results. Lemon slices add a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the fish. Olive oil helps keep the salmon moist and adds a mild fruity note. Fresh dill and parsley lend a burst of herbal freshness, elevating the overall flavor profile. A touch of sea salt and black pepper enhances all the other ingredients, while garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and depth.
This salmon pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing side salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside quinoa or a fluffy couscous. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer would complement the flavors nicely.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice texture. Meanwhile, lay out four pieces of foil, each large enough to fully wrap a salmon fillet. Place a fillet on each piece of foil, skin-side down if it has skin.
Drizzle each fillet with about half a tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Next, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and black pepper over each piece, adjusting to your personal taste.
Layer a few slices of lemon atop each fillet. Follow with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped dill and parsley, then scatter the minced garlic evenly over the top. These layers build on each other to create a flavor-packed dish.
Fold the foil over the salmon, crimping the edges to seal the packets tightly. This step is crucial to trapping the steam, which cooks the fish while keeping it moist and tender.
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but you'll know it's done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Once baked, carefully open the foil packets. Be cautious of the steam that escapes — it's hot! Serve the salmon immediately while it's still warm and aromatic.