Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe that’s both elegant and easy? Then look no further! This Misty Copeland-inspired Lemon Herb Baked Salmon is the perfect solution. Inspired by the grace and elegance of the renowned ballerina, this recipe emphasizes fresh, simple ingredients to create a dish that's as beautiful as it is tasty. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, healthy enough for your fitness goals, and impressive enough for a dinner party. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this surprisingly easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your salmon cooks evenly and perfectly. Preparing your oven first is a key step in any successful baking recipe.
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Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice crispy skin (if using skin-on fillets). Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Assemble the baking dish: Place the lemon slices in the bottom of a baking dish. This adds a beautiful presentation and infuses the salmon with extra lemon flavor.
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Arrange the salmon and herbs: Place the salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices. Tuck the rosemary and thyme sprigs around the salmon. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle with minced garlic.
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Bake: 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. A quick check with a fork is always recommended.
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Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon is dry and loses its delicate flavor. The flaky texture is your indicator of perfection.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs provide a superior flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or garlic to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Roast asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes alongside the salmon for a complete and healthy meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Salmon: Incorporate Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Creamy Dill Salmon: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and fresh dill after baking for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Approximate nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. A detailed nutritional breakdown can be obtained using a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients used. Generally, you can expect a good source of protein and healthy fats. It's a perfect addition to a balanced diet!
This simple yet elegant Lemon Herb Baked Salmon is a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite!