Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This recipe recreates the delightful flavors of Maggiano's famous salmon dish, bringing that same sophisticated taste right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this healthy and flavorful salmon recipe! This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced (for garnish and added flavor)
- Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This homemade cooking method ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Create the flavorful mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.
Marinate (optional but recommended): For even more intense flavor, let the salmon marinate in the herb mixture for 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, skip this step and proceed directly to cooking.
Bake to perfection: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish. Pour the remaining herb mixture over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is coated. Arrange the lemon slices around the salmon.
Into the oven: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and extra lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon is dry and less flavorful. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh herbs offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preferences.
- For extra crispy skin (if using skin-on fillets): Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes before transferring to the oven.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add a few cloves of minced fresh garlic to the herb mixture.
- Lemon-Dill Delight: Increase the amount of dill and lemon juice for a more pronounced lemon-dill flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consider using a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your ingredients. Expect values around:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
This Maggiano's inspired salmon recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy your restaurant-quality dinner at home!