Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Then look no further! This baked salmon in parchment recipe is your answer. It's a delicious and elegant dish that's surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this unbelievably easy and healthy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup asparagus spears
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large sheets of parchment paper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes and snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh dill. This simple prep work ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Step 2: Assemble the Parchment Packets
Lay out two large sheets of parchment paper. On each sheet, place a salmon fillet. Top each fillet with half of the lemon slices, halved cherry tomatoes, asparagus spears, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle generously with fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Seal the Packets
Fold the parchment paper over the salmon and vegetables, creating a sealed packet. Fold over the edges several times to create a tight seal, preventing steam from escaping during baking. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Remember to leave some space at the top to allow for steam.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the parchment packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the parchment packets from the oven. Use caution as steam will escape. Open the packets carefully over a plate to avoid spills and serve immediately. The delicious aromas and flavors are sure to impress your family and friends. This dish is incredibly versatile and perfect for a healthy meal, suitable for both a quick dinner or a more elaborate meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh herbs add a bright, vibrant flavor that dried herbs just can't match.
- Adjust the vegetables to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the packets.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Salmon: Add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano.
- Spicy Salmon: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
- Lemon-Dill Salmon: Increase the amount of lemon and dill for a more intense flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
This baked salmon in parchment recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice for the whole family. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!