Salmon is a popular choice for a hearty yet straightforward meal, but its natural oiliness and potent fishy aroma can sometimes make it feel heavy and unappealing. Many home cooks are deterred by the lingering kitchen smells and greasy texture that often accompany preparing this fish.
The Secret Ingredient: Lemon
However, Annalise Sandberg, a seasoned cook and founder of Completely Delicious, has shared a remarkably simple method to elevate salmon's flavour dramatically. Her lemon-baked recipe not only enhances taste but also addresses common complaints about the fish.
"I haven't always loved all seafood, but salmon holds a special place in my heart, especially since my Mom's passing," Annalise explained. "When I prepare salmon for dinner now, I stick to her simple recipe—topping it with lemon slices and fresh herbs, and roasting it in the oven. This salmon is light but flavorful, tender and so delicious!"
How Lemon Improves Salmon
Incorporating lemon into your salmon dish is the easiest way to boost its appeal. The citric acid in lemon juice effectively cuts through the fish's natural oiliness, making it taste fresher and less greasy.
This acidity also intensifies the flavours from herbs and other seasonings, creating a more complex and enjoyable eating experience. Moreover, lemon juice interacts with the compounds in salmon responsible for that strong fishy smell, helping to neutralise them so your kitchen remains fresher during cooking.
Preparing salmon with lemons can additionally help firm up the proteins in the fish, resulting in a less oily and more solid texture when it comes out of the oven. With just five basic ingredients, you can whip up delicious salmon fillets that taste infinitely better with a simple splash of lemon.
How to Cook Tastier Salmon
You will need:
- One salmon fillet
- One whole lemon (sliced)
- One tablespoon of herbs (such as dill, chives, thyme or rosemary, but whatever you have in your kitchen)
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method
- Start by checking that your salmon is boneless by running your fingers along the flesh for any small pin bones. If you find any, use kitchen tweezers or scissors to carefully remove them.
- Next, line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Position the salmon skin-side down on the tray, then massage olive oil into the fish.
- After the olive oil has been worked into the flesh, slice the lemon and arrange the pieces evenly across the salmon. Remember to keep the lemon top to one side for later.
- Season generously with salt, pepper and herbs over the salmon. This recipe is entirely adaptable, so use whichever herbs you prefer, though the most popular choices for cooking salmon tend to be dill, chives, rosemary and thyme.
- Pop the salmon in the oven and bake at 190 °C for 10 to 25 minutes. Cooking time varies depending on the size of your fillet, but start checking it every five minutes once you reach the 10-minute mark.
- The salmon is properly cooked when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and has turned a solid pink shade. A 450g fillet requires 20 to 25 minutes cooking time, while a smaller 115g fillet needs just 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the juice from the reserved lemon top over the fish to enhance the flavour.
This straightforward technique transforms salmon into a lighter, more flavourful dish that is sure to impress without requiring extensive culinary skills. By leveraging the power of lemon, you can enjoy a delicious and aromatic meal that avoids the common pitfalls of oily texture and unpleasant odours.
