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Easy King Salmon Recipes

Easy King Salmon Recipes

These Easy King Salmon Recipes offer a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinner option perfect for busy evenings. Featuring simple, fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking methods like baking or pan-searing, these dishes bring out the rich taste of king salmon with minimal effort. Adaptable with various herbs, spices, and global flavors, they ensure a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • King Salmon Fillets – fresh or thawed, firm with vibrant color, about 4-6 ounces per fillet
  • Lemon – 1 fresh lemon, for juice and optional slices
  • Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Fresh Herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme) – 2 tablespoons chopped
  • Salt – to taste
  • Pepper – to taste

Optional Spices and Variations

  • Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chili Flakes – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons (for Asian-inspired glaze)
  • Ginger – 1 teaspoon grated (for Asian-inspired glaze)
  • Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon (for Asian-inspired glaze)
  • Breadcrumbs – 1/4 cup (for herb-crusted version)
  • Cayenne Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (for spicy variation)

Side Dishes Suggestions

  • Steamed Vegetables – as desired
  • Quinoa – 1 cup cooked
  • Light Salad – as desired
  • Roasted Asparagus – 1 bunch
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – 1 serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the king salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crisp texture when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs or optional spices such as paprika or chili flakes.
  2. Heat Your Cooking Medium: For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If pan-searing, warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Ensuring the right temperature is crucial for even cooking and developing a flavorful crust.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or cook on the stove for 4 to 6 minutes per side until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for moist doneness.
  4. Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Allow the fish to rest briefly to lock in the juices before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature salmon by taking the fish out of the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to cooking for even heat distribution.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; it should be slightly pink inside to retain moisture.
  • Invest in a good quality non-stick or cast-iron skillet to achieve a beautiful sear without sticking.
  • Allow the salmon to rest before serving to let the juices redistribute, keeping the fish tender.
  • Marinate salmon briefly (not longer than 30 minutes) for added flavor without compromising texture.

Nutrition

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