Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This salmon parchment paper recipe is your answer. Forget messy pans and complicated cleanup – this simple method delivers perfectly cooked salmon with vibrant vegetables, all within a convenient, single-serving packet. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal for two, or even a healthy lunch prep idea. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this foolproof recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable to serve more or fewer people; just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
- 4 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep your ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop all your vegetables. Mince the garlic. This simple prep work ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Assemble the packets. Cut four large sheets of parchment paper (approximately 12x14 inches). Place a salmon fillet in the center of each sheet. Top each fillet with lemon slices, bell pepper, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic.
Step 3: Season and drizzle. Drizzle each salmon packet generously with olive oil. Season with dried dill, salt, and pepper. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Seal the packets. Fold the parchment paper over the salmon and vegetables, bringing the two opposite sides together. Fold the edges over several times to create a tight seal, preventing any liquids from escaping during baking. Crimp the edges tightly to ensure a secure package.
Step 5: Bake to perfection. Place the sealed 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 slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy! Carefully remove the hot packets from the oven using oven mitts. Open each packet carefully, allowing the steam to escape. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs, if desired, and serve immediately. The salmon and vegetables will be tender and flavorful, cooked in their own juices.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Salmon:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Adjust the vegetables. Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or green beans.
- Add some spice! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix.
- Make it a complete meal. Serve with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a simple salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This simple salmon parchment paper recipe is a perfect example of healthy, delicious, and easy cooking. It's a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings to create your own unique variations of this incredibly versatile dish. It's sure to become a family favorite!