Simple and Delicious Herbed Roasted Salmon
Are you tired of the same old salmon recipes? This roasted salmon head recipe is a delightful twist that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare. The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and lemon juice creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Herbed Roasted Salmon is a vibrant, healthful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. This simple recipe boasts a delightful blend of lemon and herbs, making it a delicious accompaniment to rice or quinoa.
I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy healthy meals. When I found myself with a 5-pound salmon, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to experiment. Herbed Roasted Salmon was the result.
The key to this dish is the aromatic blend of fresh herbs. They infuse the salmon with natural flavors, creating a truly satisfying meal. A combination of garlic, salt, pepper, onion, lemon, roasted fennel, and a touch of crushed red pepper completes this delicious recipe.
Health Benefits of Cooking Salmon and Incorporating it into Your Weekly Meal Plan
Salmon is a nutritious and delicious fish that offers numerous health benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider incorporating salmon into your weekly meal plan:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Heart health: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential for heart health. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
- Brain health: Omega-3s are also beneficial for brain health. They can improve cognitive function, memory, and mood.
Protein
- Muscle building and repair: Salmon is a great source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Weight management: Protein can help you feel full and satisfied, making it a great choice for weight management.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Selenium: Salmon is rich in selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
- Potassium: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports healthy muscle function.
How to Incorporate Salmon into Your Weekly Meal Plan:
- Grilled salmon: A simple and healthy way to cook salmon.
- Baked salmon: A versatile cooking method that allows you to add different flavors.
- Salmon salad: A light and refreshing meal option.
- Salmon tacos: A fun and flavorful way to enjoy salmon.
- Salmon pasta: A hearty and satisfying dish.
By incorporating salmon into your weekly meal plan, you can enjoy the many health benefits it offers. Remember to choose sustainable salmon sources and cook it properly to maximize its nutritional value.
Ingredient Breakdown and Usage FOr an Easy Salmon Recipe
Main Ingredient: 5 lb Fresh Salmon
- Description: A large cut of salmon that includes the head and part of the body.
- Usage: The salmon is the centerpiece of the dish, providing a rich, flavorful base. The meat is typically cooked until tender and flaky.
Herbs and Spices:
- Fresh Dill, Parsley, Thyme, Sage: These fragrant herbs add a bright, herbaceous flavor profile to the salmon. They can be used fresh or dried, but fresh herbs offer a more intense flavor.
- Garlic: Crushed or chopped garlic provides a strong, pungent taste that complements the fish.
- White Onion: A mild, sweet onion that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the salmon.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that helps to tenderize the fish and adds moisture.
- Toasted Ground Fennel: Offers a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and spice to the dish.
Usage:
- Herb Paste: The herbs, garlic, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, fennel, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper are combined to form a paste. This paste is used to season the salmon both inside and out.
- Stuffed Salmon: The herb bunches are stuffed inside the belly cavity of the salmon, adding a concentrated burst of flavor.
- Rub: The remaining herb paste is rubbed all over the skin of the salmon.
- Cooking: The salmon head is roasted in the oven until cooked through.
Overall, these ingredients work together to create a flavorful and satisfying roasted salmon head dish. The combination of herbs, spices, and lemon juice brings out the natural sweetness of the salmon, while the olive oil helps to keep it moist and tender.
How to make the Roasted Salmon:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the salmon by removing scales, rinsing, and patting dry.
- Make a herb paste with garlic, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices.
- Stuff the salmon’s belly cavity with herbs and rub the paste on the outside.
- Roast the salmon in the oven for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 30-40 more minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a skewer or opening the cavity slightly.
- Serve with extra virgin olive oil.
Tips, Pairings, and Storage for the Salmon Recipe
Tips for Roasting Salmon:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or fish stock to the baking dish.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, broil the salmon for a few minutes after roasting.
- For a healthier option, use a skinless salmon head or remove the skin before serving.
Pairings:
- Sides: Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and chayote are a great accompaniment to this dish.
- Rice or pasta: A simple side of rice or pasta can help to soak up the flavorful pan juices.
- Salad: A fresh salad can add a light and refreshing element to the meal.
- Sauces: A lemon-dill or tartare sauce can complement the rich flavor of the salmon.
Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Herbed Roasted Salmon is a healthy dinner idea for several reasons:
- High in protein: Salmon is a lean source of protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
- Low in calories and fat: Salmon is a relatively low-calorie and low-fat protein source.
- Nutrient-dense: The herbs and spices used in this recipe add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish.
- Easy to prepare: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
For a flavor explosion, consider adding a touch of spice to your herbed roasted salmon.
Noubess.com suggests incorporating seasonings like Adobo, Afro-Caribbean favorites, or Baharat. These blends can add a unique and delicious twist to your dish. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.
Overall, Herbed Roasted Salmon is a nutritious and delicious meal that can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet.
Herbed Roasted Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 lb Fresh Salmon (head cut-off) scaled and gutted
- 1 cup Fresh Dill roughly chopped
- 1 cup Parsley roughly chopped
- 5-6 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1/4 cup Fresh Sage roughly chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic crushed or chopped thinly
- 1 medium White Onion
- 4 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Toasted Ground Fennel
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
- Additional Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the salmon: Remove any remaining scales, rinse, and pat dry. Place the salmon in a large baking dish.
- Make the herb paste: In a bowl, combine crushed garlic, salt, pepper, toasted ground fennel, and crushed red pepper with half of the lemon juice and half of the olive oil. Set aside.
- Season the salmon: Open the belly cavity of the salmon and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the remaining oil and lemon juice over both sides. Stuff the herb bunches inside the belly cavity. Rub the herb paste mixture all over the skin of the salmon and any leftover paste inside the cavity.
- Roast the salmon: Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for another 30-40 minutes.
- Check for doneness: Before removing from the oven, insert a skewer for a few minutes and check if it's warm to the touch. Alternatively, open the cavity slightly and ensure the flesh is cooked.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or fish stock to the baking dish.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, broil the salmon for a few minutes after roasting.
- For a healthier option, use a skinless salmon head or remove the skin before serving.
- Sides: Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are a great accompaniment to this dish.
- Rice or pasta: A simple side of rice or pasta can help to soak up the flavorful pan juices.
- Salad: A fresh salad can add a light and refreshing element to the meal. Sauces: A lemon-dill or tartare sauce can complement the rich flavor of the salmon.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Published on December 27, 2013. Revised and updated.
