A Light & Luscious Salmon Dinner
Looking for a dinner that’s both incredibly satisfying and refreshingly light? You’ve found it. This Herb-Marinated Baked Salmon is a flavor powerhouse, combining savory soy and sesame with a fragrant medley of herbs. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down, promising a delicious end to your day and a peaceful night’s sleep. Simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests, this dish is a true keeper.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs / 900g salmon fillets, cut into 4 equal portions
• 4 oz / 120ml sesame oil
• 1/2 cup / 120ml light soy sauce
• 1 tsp / 5g minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp / 1g ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp / 1g dried basil
• 1 tsp / 1g dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 tsp / 0.5g dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp / 1g dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp / 0.5g dried tarragon
• 4 oz / 113g butter
• 1/2 cup / 70g chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 cup / 50g chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Method1. In a bowl, stir together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and tarragon to create the marinade.2. Place the salmon fillets in a sealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no more than 4 hours.3. Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line a large baking pan with foil for easy cleanup.4. Arrange the marinated salmon fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Pour any remaining marinade from the bag or dish over the fish.5. Bake for 10-15 minutes. While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and green onions, stirring to coat.6. Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Spoon the butter, mushroom, and onion mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.8. Serve warm, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 4Calories: 350 per serving (approx.)Calories from Fat: 20%Carbohydrates: 5g
Pro Tips
• For a brighter flavor, substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones. Use a 3:1 ratio (3 parts fresh to 1 part dried).
• Don’t over-marinate! The soy sauce can start to cure the fish if left for too long, changing its texture. Four hours is the maximum.
• Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twisting. The fish should flake easily but still be slightly translucent in the very center for maximum tenderness.
FAQ
Q: How long should I marinate this salmon
A: For best results, marinate the salmon for at least 1 hour but no more than 4 hours. The soy sauce in the marinade can start to cure the fish and change its texture if left for too long.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe
A: Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for a brighter flavor. A good rule of thumb is to use a 3:1 ratio, meaning three parts fresh herbs for every one part dried.
Q: How do I know when the baked salmon is perfectly cooked
A: You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twisting. The salmon should flake easily. For the most tender result, it can still be slightly translucent in the very center.
Q: What is the best temperature to bake salmon
A: This recipe recommends baking salmon at 350°F or 175°C. This moderate temperature helps cook the fish evenly without drying it out.
