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Close-up of three perfectly cooked salmon fillets seasoned with herbs and spices, ready for salmon recipes.

What I Cook When I Crave Salmon Recipes

This recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to prepare salmon, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a healthy meal. It combines a flavorful spice rub with a straightforward baking method.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets wild caught if possible
  • Olive oil
Spice Rub
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature.
  2. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil.
  3. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil, skin side down. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cumin. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  5. Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until it is tender and pink at the center. The internal temperature should be between 125°F to 130°F. A 1-inch thick fillet should cook in about 15 minutes. For a crispy top, broil for about 2 minutes during the last part of the cooking time, when the salmon reaches 115°F.
  6. Let the salmon rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe is a foundation for creating beautiful and delicious salmon dishes. Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your preference or serve with your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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