Indulge in the pure simplicity of this delightful roasted salmon recipe, where the magic lies in the two main ingredients: fresh salmon and butter. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease and speed of preparation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious seafood meal with minimal effort.
This salmon recipe emphasizes the importance of using the freshest fish available, as it significantly impacts the final flavor and texture. With just two ingredients, butter and salmon, the natural essence of the fish shines through, delivering a delectable experience for your taste buds.
The process involves roasting the salmon fillet in a buttery embrace, enhancing its taste and moisture. The high oven temperature ensures that the fish cooks quickly and retains its succulence. The result is tender and perfectly cooked salmon, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The recipe allows for versatile adaptations, offering variations to elevate the dish with herbs, buttered hazelnuts, or olives, adding exciting layers of flavor to the succulent salmon.
With its short preparation time and remarkable flavor profile, this Roasted Salmon recipe is a go-to choice for seafood enthusiasts seeking a quick and sumptuous meal that showcases the natural goodness of fresh salmon.
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
TIME: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- One 2- to 3-pound salmon fillet (skin-on is nice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the oven to 475°F. Melt the butter in a medium roasting pan, either on the stovetop or in the oven as it preheats, until the foam subsides. Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper, preparing it for the flavorful roasting process.
- Place the salmon in the buttery pan, flesh side down, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast the salmon for approximately 5 minutes, then flip it over and continue roasting for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use a thin-bladed knife to peek between the flakes and assess if the salmon is thoroughly cooked.
- Once the salmon is perfectly roasted, sprinkle a touch more salt if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves, and serve, allowing the simplicity and freshness of the fish to take center stage.
VARIATIONS:
- Salmon Roasted with Herbs: Infuse the salmon with a medley of fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, chervil, basil, dill, thyme, or a combination. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of minced shallot and olive oil (or a blend of oil and butter) before roasting as directed.
- Salmon Roasted with Buttered Hazelnuts: Enhance the roasted salmon with the nutty goodness of hazelnuts. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and cook roughly chopped hazelnuts until they begin to brown. Spoon the hazelnuts over the seasoned fish before roasting.
- Salmon Roasted with Olives: Introduce a savory twist by adding chopped black olives like kalamata or Moroccan. Omit the salt if the olives are salty. Replace hazelnuts with olives and roast as directed.
Whether enjoyed in its simplest form or elevated with tantalizing variations, this Roasted Salmon recipe promises a delightful seafood feast that’s effortlessly prepared in just a matter of minutes. Embrace the essence of fresh salmon and butter in this flavorful dish, and savor a memorable dining experience.
