Salmon fillets are baked to flaky, delicate perfection after being marinated in a citrus-ginger marinade.
The Baked Salmon Fillets recipe is simple and quick, and it can be doubled to accommodate a large group or cut in half to feed two people.
Why We Adore This Recipe for Salmon?
It only takes a few minutes in the oven to prepare this recipe, but it tastes and looks great.
Because the marinade will give this meal flavor, making it ahead is ideal!
You can use any salmon marinade with this technique; the ingredients are items I typically have on hand and bring out the flavor of the fish without dominating it.
Baked Salmon Fillets (Pinterest)Ingredients/Variations
Salmon gets a ton of flavor from this simple marinade with very little work!
JUICE The orange flavor in this glaze comes from plain ol’ OJ. Is orange juice absent? In a pinch, use apple juice or pineapple juice (even from a can of tidbits).
SWEET Honey and brown sugar add sweetness. If you only have one or the other, use that instead, or even substitute maple syrup!
Ginger and garlic are well known for their flavors. If the powder is required, make sure to only use 1/3 of the amount specified because the powder is stronger.
This recipe benefits greatly from the taste that toasted sesame oil brings, so don’t skip it.
How to Cook Fillets of Salmon?
After marinating, this salmon is roasted in the oven. I prefer to bake it until it’s almost done, then finish it off with a few seconds of broiling.
- Keep a small amount of the marinade for final brushing.
- Use the recipe below to marinate salmon for a minimum of an hour and a maximum of four.
- The baking time for the salmon will depend on its thickness; check it early to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
For 1-2 minutes, broil after brushing on the extra marinade.
Knowing When Salmon Is Cooked
Salmon should be just a little transparent in the center and flake readily with a fork. Remove the fish from the heat as soon as it starts to flake (overcooked fish is not flavorful and can be dry).
A lovely and vibrant garnish is green onions! Additionally, try garnishing with a twist of orange peel!
What to Pair It With?
It’s difficult to go wrong when you choose exquisite sides or comfort eats!
- For added gourmet flavor, serve with roasted parmesan asparagus.
- This dinner is nicely finished off with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- No one has ever objected to receiving these mashed potatoes or even straightforward rice pilaf.
- With baked salmon, a salad is a must!
- Are you feeling daring? Consider a velvety mushroom risotto!
Baked Salmon Fillets (Pinterest)Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- salt & pepper to taste
- green onions for garnish optional
orange marinade
- 1 cup orange juice or pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Two tablespoons of the marinade should be set aside for salmon brushing. Salmon should marinate for at least one hour and up to four hours with the remaining marinade.
- Set the oven to 400 °F.
- Discard the marinade and place the salmon skin-side down in a baking dish. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Depending on the thickness, bake for 10 to 12 minutes; check your salmon early to prevent it from overcooking. Place fish on the top oven rack and baste with the reserved marinade. Do not overcook; broil for 1-2 minutes, or just until cooked through.
- If desired, add green onions as a garnish.
Notes
How long your salmon filet takes to cook will depend on its size and shape. A thicker filet will take more time to cook than a thinner, flatter filet.
Make sure your salmon is not overcooked by checking it early.
The middle of the salmon should be somewhat transparent and fork-flake readily.
25% of the marinade is included in the nutritional data.