How to Bake a Salmon and Tips on Finishing the Skin.

Salmon is a fish which I really love, and having a little extra on hand means I can make a few additional meals and freeze a little for later.  I baked a full salmon last night, this post is on how to easily make it. It's very easy to bake and it doesn't need to be a chore, a couple of scissor cuts, remove the Tail and Head (if still on), add your spices and go.

SALMON AND BLUEBERRY SUMMER SALAD




We planned on having the salmon with our dinner last night, a few portions were put aside for my breakfast and for his lunch, the rest I have wrapped and frozen for additional meals as I wish. The trimmings from the salmon were brought to a boil and we will use those as a stock for another dish I will make this week. I do much of my cooking on my own and unfortunately am not set up to take videos of me working all the time. I will hopefully oblige with a video of this in the future as well.







How to Clean and Prepare the Salmon.


If the Salmon you have purchased still has fins, tail and head attached, it is easy to remove these parts of the fish. Discard them if you wish, but I am a big believer in using everything, I make a stock out of the trimmings.


With a sharp pair of kitchen scissors, cut away the lower fins and the head and collar of the Salmon. I have included pictures for you to see.


The very lower fin, the bones go a little deeper, so use a knife to slice upwards into the belly of the fish. You can feel where the bones end. Be careful not to cut your fingers.



I highly recommend you use Parchment Paper, or a Parchment Bag.


It makes it easier to turn the fish as well as easier to clean up. You will need a shallow baking dish or tray as well.


Most of this post will rely on pictures, as it's easier to show you the steps.



Easy Baked Salmon


The spices and ingredients I am using for this a very simple. I have multiple purposes for this salmon as meal ideas, and keeping the spices basic means I can add others later.


You can absolutely add in a bit of Red Chilli Flake, Basil, Oregano, Mustard and other spices to brighten your dish or change the flavour profile.


Basic Ingredients:


Sliced Lemon, I used 3 slices and Juiced the rest. 1/2 of the Juice went over the fish prior to baking, the other 1/2 of the juice  basted my vegetables with.


3 Garlic Cloves, halved

1/2 TSP of Dill

Include the Lemon, Sliced Garlic, Dill a bit of Salt and Pepper if you wish, into the cavity of the salmon. Pictures shown to the right.


Place your prepared Salmon into a Parchment Bag, or use Parchment Paper as I have done.


The Bag is easier if you are unfamiliar with  cooking with Parchment Paper.


All you really do is fold or twist the edges of the Paper to create a seal and let the Fish cook in it's own steam. It's a healthier way to prepare many ingredients.







Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350 F


Depending on the size of your Salmon, 30 minutes to 45 minutes bake time, centre rack. I live in the mountains, so many of my dishes may need a few more minutes to cook then if you are at sea level.


Flip it halfway through. to ensure both sides are equally cooked. You want a firm flesh when you press it to test.



I wouldn't cook it much longer than 45 minutes. You can let it rest and turn it again in if in doubt.


Pretty simple, though if you are unfamiliar with cooking fish, you may take a few times to get it down. Keep trying though!.


To serve individual portions, use a sharp knife and cut a clean edge down the top of spine of the Fish.


Slice the flesh of the Salmon downwards and at a horizontal angle, in line with the bones.


Use a spatula to remove the portions to plate.





Options on Finishing

You can serve your Salmon as is, or there are a few other options available to you. My preferences include searing the skin or adding topping which will be browned under the broiler..


Sear the Skin under the Broiler. as is. Broil for 5 minutes, or until crisped.



Olive Oil Blends

Sauté Diced Garlic, or use Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil. Baste the skin of the Salmon and Broil for 5 minutes, or until crisped.


Other Variations with Olive Oil include adding Sun-dried Tomatoes, Red Clli Flakes, Finely diced Bell Peppers and Onion. Just to name a few.

List of Olive Oil and Sauce Recipes

Be creative with your spices, you can create some amazing flavour combinations.


Additionally, Tartar Sauce.

My husband made a version of his homemade Tartar sauce which was baked on to the fish prior to serving.


You can find the recipe HERE, TARTAR SAUCE


Baking a Salmon is easy, adding additional flavours at the end and searing the skin just gives it a hint more flavour and texture. Not everyone enjoys the skin on their fish, I do!




Many other recipes are in the works, I'm playing with Squash as an ingredient more often these days. We are eating healthier over all and Squash has been under-utilized as a side dish. I'm discovering it is quite versatile as an ingredient.

Please Enjoy!

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