Baked Salmon Recipe with Parmesan Herb Crust (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to bake salmon covered or uncovered? ›

Baked salmon is best when cooked at 425°F in the oven.

Even thicker fillets don't take long. We recommend baking the salmon uncovered. Simply rub the fillets with a little oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then place them in the roasting pan skin-side down before popping them in the oven.

Fold the edges of the foil tightly together over the salmon to seal, leaving some space in the parcel for steam to surround and cook the fish. Put the salmon parcel in the roasting tin and cook in the centre of the oven for 25 - 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.

Salmon is a fantastic fish that pairs really well with so many herbs. The best herbs to use on salmon are parsley, dill, basil, tarragon, sage, rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, cilantro and fennel.

Roasting salmon fillets in the oven gives you beautiful, succulent fish that doesn't require constant attention. This method, which we recommend if you're cooking four or fewer fillets, has you sear the fish in a pan on the stovetop first, which crisps the skin delectably.

Cooking Fillets Skin-Side Up

"When pan-frying or grilling, cook salmon fillets skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes," says Norton. "You should also cook it skin-side down with other cooking methods, including baking."

For a moister, tenderer fish, go with 350°F. For a quicker cook and a bit of crispiness on the outside, 400°F could be better.

Marinating salmon can add additional flavor and help the fish stay moist during cooking. Most marinades include an acidic element like lemon or vinegar which add a pleasant tanginess to the fish. Salmon is considered by some to be a "fishy" tasting fish because it is firm and high in fat.

Seasoning salmon with salt and pepper for baking is exactly like seasoning it for any other cooking process: Pat it dry, sprinkle all sides with salt and pepper (including skin if your fish has it) and use a lighter touch if you're adding salty or peppery ingredients later.

A creamy but slightly tangy sauce works really well with salmon, and it's why sour cream-dill sauce over salmon is such a classic. Try mixing in curry powder, Sriracha, or scallions into yogurt or crème fraîche for an easy, elegant salmon topper.

Should you rinse salmon before baking? ›

Salmon-washers might also believe that rinsing the seafood first can help erase any fishy taste or smell and improve the fish's texture. However, both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise that you shouldn't wash any fresh seafood before cooking it.

It is a good idea to let salmon sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not let it sit out for too long. You want it to reach room temperature right before cooking. If it is at room temperature for too long it can be a food safety risk.

Seasoning the fish with salt and pepper before cooking is a must for great flavor, but just as important is when you season. When seasoned too soon before cooking, the salt will start to break down the proteins in the salmon and draw moisture out of the fish.

Cooking salmon in foil just makes things easier. It creates a buttery, fresh, evenly cooked fish without having to be as precise. Moisture is preserved while flavor is exploded! Your fish won't have any char marks either!

Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on high heat on the stovetop for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to finish.

Use a “barrier”: This tip will come in handy when you're baking fillets. Olive oil, butter, or even a sauce can serve as a protective barrier between the salmon and the heat, allowing it to cook without losing too much moisture. Herbs, vegetables, and lemon slices can also be used to to fillets as they cook.

Do you bake fish covered or uncovered? Breaded and coated fish usually is cooked without being covered, but fillets and whole fish are covered for tender results.