Not sure what to make for date night? Try this Healthy Baked Salmon; elegant, bursting with flavor, and super easy to make!
Years ago, while I was at university, I had two French flatmates who loved cooking. Occasionally we would all cook and eat dinner together, and I always looked forward to their turn, as I knew they could serve up anything from roasted chicken to raclette!
One evening, on their turn, I think I may have had one of the most elegant feasts I’ve ever experienced. For one of our appetizers, we had chive blossom butter with the herb’s lavender-colored blooms, and we ate it with crisp radishes or slathered it on slices of crusty baguette. Tapenade, a spread made with olives, was also part of the appetizer platter, and we enjoyed it with a medley of crisp, raw vegetables also known as crudités.
But it was the main dish that really charmed me most: the salmon en papillote. It simply means “in paper,” and the fish is wrapped in a parcel of parchment paper and essentially steamed in its own juices, which helps it retain all its nutrients and delicious flavors.
In just twenty minutes, you’ll be serving a beautifully moist, flaky piece of fish full of citrus flavors. It’s the type of dish that’s perfect for a romantic date night, but also does quite well as a fancy dinner party option.
Is Baked Salmon Healthy?
Yes, very healthy! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of protein, boasting a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. The fish is drizzled with olive oil for extra richness, but you can also leave it out.
To make the meal even more wholesome, serve the baked salmon with a side of Air Fryer Asparagus or a simple dish of Wilted Spinach.
How To Shop For Salmon
When choosing salmon at the market, look out for wild-caught sockeye salmon, my personal favorite. It is a wild salmon from the North Pacific Ocean and is richer in flavor than other varieties.
Look for fillets that are moist and firm, not dry or mushy. They should have a mild, saline scent. Certainly not fishy and pungent. If buying a packaged fillet, ensure the package is intact with no tears or holes. There should be a minimal amount of liquid inside.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Let the salmon cool completely, but don’t leave it out for any longer than 30 minutes. Wrap it in plastic or aluminum, or place it in an airtight container, then keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 4 months. Wrap it in plastic or aluminum, then put it in an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, use low heat so as not to dry it out.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re in the mood for a little French-inspired flair, start the meal with a classic French Onion Soup. A wonderful side dish for the baked salmon would be these Delicious Roasted Red Potatoes. And because there’s no such thing as a special meal without dessert, serve these beautiful Strawberry Crêpes or these decadent Chocolate Truffles.
Ingredients
- 2 5-ounce salmon fillets
- 1 lemon sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Fold parchment paper in half, open it and assemble the lemon slices on one side of the paper.
- Add the capers and chopped parsley then top with the salmon fillets. Season the fillets with salt and pepper and top with the garlic slices.
- Place additional lemon slices and capers on top. Drizzle with the olive oil.
- Cover the salmon with the other half of the parchment paper and seal everything well. Transfer the packages to a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove the salmon from the oven, open the parchment paper, and serve with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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