Oven-baked salmon with lemon and basil

Baked salmon with lemon and basil: a delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

The history of baked salmon is one filled with flavor and care, being a dish that combines simplicity with elegance. Salmon is often considered a versatile ingredient, used in various dishes around the world. This baked salmon recipe with lemon and basil will bring a fresh and aromatic taste to your table, perfect for a light dinner or to impress your guests.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (approximately 200-250 g each)
- 1 fresh lemon
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
- A pinch of ginger (optional but recommended)
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup of water

Preparation of ingredients:
1. Ensure the salmon is fresh. You can choose wild or farmed salmon, depending on your preferences. Wild salmon has a more intense flavor, while farmed salmon is fattier and juicier.
2. Wash the salmon fillets well under cold running water and dry them with a paper towel. This step is important for achieving a beautiful and delicious crust.
3. Prepare the lemon by slicing it thinly. Its fresh aroma will perfectly complement the rich taste of the salmon.

Step by step preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat).
2. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the oil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
3. Place the salmon fillets in the baking dish, skin side down. The oil will help cook the fish evenly.
4. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of olive oil with the juice of ½ lemon, a pinch of ginger, and salt to taste. This aromatic mixture will penetrate the meat and give it a wonderful flavor.
5. Pour the oil mixture over the salmon, ensuring it is well covered.
6. Place the lemon slices and basil leaves on top of the salmon. Fresh basil adds a touch of freshness and an enticing aroma.
7. Add ½ cup of water to the baking dish to prevent the fish from drying out and to create a pleasant steam during baking.
8. Place the dish in the oven and let the salmon bake for 10 minutes.

Maintaining the salmon:
After the first 10 minutes, flip the salmon fillets using a spatula. This step is essential for even cooking. Continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the salmon becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

My tip: If you want to surprise your guests, you can add some green or black olives to the dish for an extra flavor and texture.

Serving:
The salmon is served warm, alongside a side of boiled potatoes and carrots, as well as a sauté of mushrooms. These sides add an excellent contrast to the silky texture of the salmon. You can decorate the plate with a few fresh basil leaves and lemon slices for an attractive appearance.

Nutritional benefits of salmon:
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B and D vitamins, as well as important minerals like selenium. These nutrients contribute to heart health, support brain function, and help maintain healthy skin.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of fish? Yes, you can replace salmon with trout or tuna, but the cooking time may vary.
2. What other spices can I add? You can experiment with herbs like dill, cumin, or rosemary to vary the flavors.
3. Can I grill the salmon? Absolutely! Salmon can easily be prepared on the grill, bringing a delicious smoky flavor.

Possible variations:
For a more exotic version, you can add some slices of pineapple or mango next to the salmon in the baking dish. These fruits will add a sweet contrast and a tropical flavor to your dish.

Now it’s your turn to try this baked salmon recipe with lemon and basil! Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and let yourself be inspired by the fresh flavors. Bon appétit!