My Go-To Recipe for Flavorful Herb-Infused Baked Sockeye Salmon
As a child, I loved going fishing with my dad. We spent countless mornings on the lake, the mist still hanging low over the water as we cast our lines in search of rainbow trout. While we weren’t after salmon, we knew they were in the lake, elusive and powerful. My did have family members who would travel to the West Coast, where they’d pay to go on guided fishing trips, staying in quaint motels. These trips were more than just about the catch; they were about the experience, the thrill of reeling in a salmon, and the pride of bringing home a bounty to share with us all. When they returned home, they’d always share their prized catch with the family, and that’s when I first developed my love for salmon. Even though I never caught one myself back then, the taste of that fresh, wild salmon, seasoned simply and cooked to perfection, left a lasting impression on me.
Did You Know?
One of the things I love most about baking wild sockeye salmon is how the herb butter infuses deeply into the fish, keeping it moist and tender. The richness of the butter combined with the fresh herbs makes this dish feel luxurious, yet it’s so simple to make. Plus, baking the salmon ensures it cooks evenly without drying out, which is always a win in my book!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 wild sockeye salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with dill, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Season the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the herb butter evenly over each fillet.
Bake the Salmon:
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
Serve the baked salmon with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 280 | Fat, 18g | Saturated Fat, 8g | Carbohydrates, 1g | Sugars, 0g | Protein, 25g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Bulk Buying: Purchase salmon in larger quantities during peak season and freeze portions for future use. This helps reduce costs and ensures you have fresh fish available.
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Herb Storage: Store fresh herbs properly to extend their shelf life. Keep them in a glass of water in the refrigerator or wrap them in a damp paper towel.
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Butter Alternatives: If butter is expensive or not preferred, use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for similar results.
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Oven Efficiency: Bake multiple fillets at once to save energy. Leftovers can be refrigerated and used for sandwiches or salads.
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Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles for your herb butter.
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Homemade Herb Butter: Make a large batch of herb butter and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. It can be used to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
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Learning and Sharing: Join online cooking communities for more recipe ideas and tips. Sharing your own experiences can help others and foster a sense of community.
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Creative Presentations: Garnish the baked salmon with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices for a visually appealing presentation. Serve with roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad for a complete meal.
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Nutritional Benefits: Wild sockeye salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium. Incorporating it into your diet can provide significant health benefits.
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Simple Clean-Up: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make clean-up quick and easy.
We Need To Pay Attention To This Natural Resource
Salmon populations, particularly wild species like sockeye, have been declining due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. It’s crucial that we pay attention to this natural resource, supporting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the habitats that these incredible fish rely on. By choosing wild-caught, sustainably sourced salmon, we can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fish. Remember, every choice we make in the kitchen has a ripple effect on our environment.