Baked salmon with lemon-parsley butter

Easy oven-baked salmon

Greatness can come from simplicity, especially when cooking. And this baked salmon recipe is a prime example. Its look and taste will impress your guests, but little will they know how incredibly easy it was to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can pop it in the oven and simply wait.

This baked salmon recipe is perfect for wowing the guests or enjoying a special meal at home without the hassle. Plus, it involves minimal cleanup, which means more time to enjoy your evening.

Also, be sure to try these recipes for corn on the cob with paprika, brussels sprouts with cranberries and almonds, and tender mussels. They all fall in the easy dinner category and are ready in under 30 minutes.

Juicy, flavourful, and flaky fish fillet

When cooked just right, the salmon becomes wonderfully flaky. The oven’s steady heat gently coaxes out the moisture and fats naturally present in the fish, spreading them evenly throughout the fillet. The fish then remains moist and tender on the inside, with a flaky texture that falls apart at the touch of a fork. A golden, slightly crisp exterior adds just the right touch of crunch, sealing in all those delicious, savoury flavours.

Refreshing citrus and herbal notes from lemon-parsley butter

With a little Lurpak®, you can turn simple into superb. And this lemon-parsley butter does just that, enriching the salmon with flavour. The lemon zest infused in the butter brings a bright, citrusy sharpness that cuts through the richness of the butter, while the vibrant parsley adds a herby freshness that complements the fish perfectly. As the fish bakes, the butter melts and enriches the salmon, keeping it moist and tender.

Pair the fish with fresh greens

Tender salmon baked in the oven can be paired with so many foods, and top of that list for many are fresh greens. Their crispness has just the right texture to contrast the rich, soft fish fillet.

Arugula is a great choice, with its peppery sharpness. Or you might opt for baby spinach, which has a lovely mild sweetness and wilts just slightly when placed under warm salmon, soaking up some of the flavourful juices.

For something crisper, a salad of romaine and red leaf lettuce, lightly dressed in an olive oil and lemon vinaigrette, can echo the bright notes of the lemon-parsley butter. Steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are also a good option to add more texture and colour to the plate."

Adjust the recipe to your liking

Baked salmon is a loved classic, but that does not mean you can’t shake things up a bit! Starting with the lemon-parsley butter, try swapping parsley for dill, chives, or tarragon to bring a different herbal flair to your dish. If you are feeling adventurous, add some crushed garlic or a pinch of chilli flakes for a touch of heat.

Lemon can also be substituted with lime or orange. Lime brings a sharp, refreshing tang that really pops, while orange offers a gentler, sweeter citrus note that marries beautifully with salmon’s rich flavours.

You might also consider changing the cooking method. While baking is straightforward and fuss-free, grilling the salmon can infuse it with a delightful smoky flavour. Simply prepare the fish with the lemon-parsley butter as described previously, but instead of baking, place it on a preheated grill under a medium heat. If you prefer a crispier texture, pan-searing the fillets before finishing them in the oven is another great option. This will give the fish a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flaky.

Lastly, why not dress up your salmon with a crunchy topping? Mixing breadcrumbs with Parmesan, herbs, and a bit of melted butter creates a crusty topping that is irresistibly crunchy. Or, for a nuttier flavour, mix chopped almonds or pecans with honey for a sweet crust that complements the salmon’s natural flavours perfectly.