Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option that your family will love? Look no further than olive oil baked salmon! This dish is not only packed with flavor, but also loaded with nutrients that are essential for optimal health. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to prepare the perfect olive oil baked salmon that will have your loved ones begging for seconds. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. So let’s get started on creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that will delight both your taste buds and your body!
What You Will Need
Olive oil baked salmon is a healthy, delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy. This dish is simple to prepare and only requires a few ingredients.
To make olive oil baked salmon, you will need:
-1 lb. of fresh salmon fillets
-Extra virgin olive oil
-Sea salt
-Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on the sheet. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
The Best Olive Oil for Baked Salmon
Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the best ways to cook salmon is by baking it with olive oil. Olive oil not only helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful, but it also provides a healthy dose of heart-healthy fats.
When choosing an olive oil for baked salmon, you want to look for an extra-virgin olive oil that has a light flavor. This will ensure that the olive oil does not overpower the delicate flavor of the salmon. You also want to make sure that the olive oil you select has a high smoke point so that it can withstand the high heat of the oven without burning.
Some of our favorite olive oils for baked salmon include:
California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This light, fruity olive oil is perfect for baked salmon. It has a high smoke point and a delicate flavor that won’t overwhelm the fish.
Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Another great option for baked salmon, this organic olive oil has a slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with fish. It also has a high smoke point, so it can withstand the heat of the oven without burning.
Lucini Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil: If you’re looking for an intense flavor, this rich, robust olive oil is a great choice. It has a lower smoke point than some other options, so it’s best used for dishes that are cooked at lower temperatures
Preparing the Salmon
There are a few key things to keep in mind when preparing your salmon for this dish. First, make sure to rinse the salmon fillets thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the fish, which can make it difficult to get a good sear on the outside.
Next, season the salmon generously on all sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs or spices at this point if you like, but we find that simple salt and pepper are all that’s needed to really let the flavor of the fish shine through.
Once the salmon is seasoned, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Flip the salmon over and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them and adjust as necessary.
When the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. We like to serve ours with a simple green salad and some roasted potatoes, but feel free to get creative!
Baking the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Season your salmon with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Place the salmon skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
For extra crispy skin, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes after cooking. Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
In general, you’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon of olive oil for every 2-3 cups of salmon. This will ensure that the fish is properly coated and won’t stick to the pan. You can also add other seasonings to the salmon at this point, such as salt, pepper, lemon juice, or herbs.
Once you’ve prepped the salmon, there are a few different ways you can cook it. One option is to bake the salmon in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Another option is to pan-fry the salmon. Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Finally, you can grill the salmon. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Place the salmon on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to serve the salmon immediately after cooking for best results!
