The possibilities are limitless when it comes to enjoying salmon. With many ways to cook it and plenty of flavors that pair expectedly or unexpectedly well, you're sure to find hundreds of ways to serve it. Additionally, you can continue to find inspiration in recipes from around the world. Salmon is a staple in many households across the globe, thanks to its mild, refreshing taste, the long list of health benefits it offers, and its versatility. It's as delicious served in a florentine as in sushi or served under eggs benedict.

Whether you're new to cooking salmon or you need a refresher, we'll get you started with one of the simplest ways to make this dynamic dish. Roasted salmon takes minimal preparation, so you can work on the rest of your meal as it bakes. 

This article outlines some health benefits of eating the fish and a recipe for baked salmon with a parmesan herb crust, which, if you like bold flavors and plenty of seasoning, you'll love. It also includes some seasoning variations, tips to cook it perfectly, and advice on what to do with the skin, as well as some ideas for side dishes to complete your meal. 

Keep reading to learn how to make baked salmon like never before.

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is an essential fat that offers many health benefits. It's full of protein, which your body needs to heal and prevent muscle loss, among other benefits. And, thanks to the high protein content, salmon helps with weight management, as it helps you feel full. What's more, this fish also provides plenty of vitamin B and other nutrients that play an essential role in your health.

How to cook salmon in the oven

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This recipe makes four servings, takes two minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes cooking time, with a total time of only 17 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 whole salmon fillet, about 2 pounds

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• 1/2 cup chopped parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425℉.

2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 

3. Ensure the skin is dry before placing the salmon on the prepared pan with the meaty side up. Ensuring the skin is dry will help prevent it from sticking to the parchment.

4. Place it in the oven for 10 minutes.

5. Prepare and mix the rest of the ingredients into a small bowl as you wait.

6. Once the timer sounds, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and top the salmon with the combined ingredients.

7. Put it back in the oven until the cheese melts and the meat flakes easily upon touching it with a fork. This should take about five additional minutes. You can also check if it's ready using a thermometer. If it registers 145℉, that means it's done.

8. If you like your salmon more crispy, cook it longer before adding the toppings.

9. Remove it from the oven, and allow it to stand for five minutes before serving.

Nutritional values per serving

• Calories: 424

• Carbohydrates: 1 gram

• Protein: 68 grams

• Fat: 14 grams

• Saturated fat: 2 grams

• Cholesterol: 9 milligrams

• Sodium: 417 milligrams

• Fiber: 1 gram

• Sugar: 1 gram

Original recipe: Add a Pinch

Different ways to season salmon

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For all these variations, season first and roast the salmon for 15-20 minutes at 425℉. Check for doneness in the same manner as listed in this recipe. If you'd like to keep it in longer for crispness, add five minutes at a time and keep checking.

• Lemon and dill: Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle on one teaspoon of dried dill and three finely chopped cloves of garlic, and top with the slices of two lemons.‍

• Garlic butter: Mix 1/8 cup of lemon juice and 1/8 cup of melted butter and pour it over the salmon. Add three cloves of finely minced garlic.‍

• Rosemary: Drizzle the salmon with two tablespoons of olive oil and top with two large bunches of rosemary and the slices of two lemons.‍

• Maple glazed: Combine two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, two tablespoons of pure maple syrup, one teaspoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of salt, and a half teaspoon of pepper in a small bowl. Coat the salmon using half of the mixture. Roast the fish until cooked through and pour over the rest of the maple and mustard mixture.

Tips for perfectly cooked salmon

• If you're new to cooking salmon or it's been a while since cooking it, a meat thermometer is an optimal way to ensure your dish is ready to eat. The internal temperature the USDA recommends for cooking fish is 145℉.

• Another way to check if your salmon is done is by touching it with a fork to see if it flakes easily. If it flakes and it's opaque, your salmon is ready. If it's translucent at all, it needs more time.

• If the salmon you're using is frozen, ensure that you fully thaw it before roasting. This will ensure it cooks evenly.

• Before preparing your salmon, check for any small bones in the fillet. Your butcher will typically do a thorough job, but sometimes tiny ones are left behind. If so, carefully remove them.

The skin on or off?

Whether or not to eat the salmon skin is a matter of personal preference, as it is editable. However, cooking salmon with the skin on helps keep moisture in the fillet. If you prefer not to eat it, it simply lifts off the fish once it's roasted, or you can eat around it. If you really dislike it and would rather not deal with it at all, you can find a skinless option or ask your butcher to remove it if the fish is fresh.

What to serve with salmon

Salmon pairs exceptionally with many side dishes, including: 

• Brussels sprouts

• Asparagus, which is delicious when roasted like in this recipe

• Green beans

• Salad

• Squash

• Mashed potatoes (if you're new to making them, here's a recipe with tips)

• Rice

Ideas for leftovers and reheating

• You can store leftover salmon in the fridge for up to two days in an air-tight container.

• Reheat it low and slow in a skillet or the microwave on medium-low heat

• You can also freeze it in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to two months.

• If you want to get creative, you can flake and top a salad with salmon, stir it into pasta, make salmon patties, or turn it into a salmon-salad sandwich.

Try it and sea

So, are you officially salivating for salmon? Order a bottle of your favorite wine and get cooking. If you're missing an ingredient, you can have it at your door in a matter of minutes with Gopuff. Making dinner should be an experience, not a hassle. 

For more recipe inspiration, check out Gopuff's Food & Drink blog. You may just learn to make something new or find an old favorite.