Salmon is an incredible type of fish. It’s versatile and it’s packed with nutritional power. It’s also an oily fish. This means it’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids so it fuels the body with amazing health benefits too. It helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and is known to have an anti inflammatory effect on the body. It’s no wonder why it’s considered a superfood! The best part about this delicious fish is that you can prepare it any way you desire. Seriously, there are so many ways to cook salmon!
Today we are focusing attention on a more traditional way to cook salmon. We’re going to share with you how to bake the entire fish! Now there are many benefits to cooking an entire salmon fillet in the oven. For starters, it’s much cheaper. And baking it also allows you to prepare the fish without having to be constantly checking in. You can just pop it in the oven and wait it out!
This post is all about how to bake a whole salmon fillet so it comes out of the oven juicy, crisp, and in perfect shape every time. Get ready for some tips and tricks!
How To Bake A Whole Salmon Fillet
1. It all starts with the right fish.
It’s important to know how to tell if salmon has gone bad. To make sure your fish is in good condition, check to see if the salmon has a bright pink color, has beautiful clear white lines going across the fish, and has bouncy flesh. Sunken eyes are a sign it’s no longer fresh and should totally be avoided. Our ocean-raised, ocean-loved salmon is always fresh!
2. Avoid buying salmon with the head.
Let’s be real. You wouldn’t want to pay for the weight of a salmon’s head, right? Only buy what you plan to use for your meal. If you are paying around $5 per pound of salmon, the price of the parts that will go to waste can easily add up. Just ask if they can remove it.
3. Buy scaled and cleaned salmon.
It’s always good to remember to check if the fish is properly scaled and cleaned. This means it should have no guts and no residues of any kind. The fish should feel smooth to touch.
4. Always season the fish.
The last thing you want is a dull-tasting salmon. Even though this fish is delicious as it is, you’ll probably want to sprinkle it with some salt and pepper. Remember to sprinkle your seasonings on both the inside and the outside of the salmon.
5. Pick the right herbs and spices:
If you want to be bold and add some herbs and spices to your salmon fillet, remember that a little goes a long way. A classic pair is a lemon and dill as well as parsley and garlic butter. You could also melt butter and brush the fillet with it to make it moister and then sprinkle on your favorite herbs and spices.
6. Get the baking sheet ready.
The best baking sheet for your salmon fillet is a sturdy one. We suggest using a rimmed baking sheet. Apply cooking spray over the entire pan and if you’re feeling a little fancy, place a few lemon slices on top of the sheet. This will give the fish a little more flavor!
7. Set the oven to the correct temperature.
Bake the salmon in the center of the oven at 425 degrees. You should preheat the oven beforehand! Remember to aim for an internal temperature of at least 125 degrees on the thickest part of the fish.
8. Be mindful of the cooking time.
15 minutes is the minimum amount of time the salmon should bake inside the oven. At 425 degrees, 15 to 25 minutes is the sweet spot of a moist and well-cooked fish. Pro tip: for the last couple of minutes switch the oven to broil and move the fish to the top if you want golden brown and crispy skin!
Will you be baking a whole salmon fillet this week?
Those were our top 8 tips and tricks to make the perfect baked salmon recipe! This way of cooking salmon is efficient, convenient, and perfect for meal preppers! Remember, you can always check out our blog to find lots of other recipes too. Also, head to our Instagram and Pinterest to get some serious visual inspiration for all your seafood cooking endeavors. Good luck baking that salmon!