Ah, salmon—what a delightful fish! It always reminds me of that one time I tried cooking it for a dinner party and ended up with a kitchen full of smoke.
But hey, that’s the magic of cooking, right? With this lemon butter twist, it’s like giving your taste buds a front-row seat to a zesty concert, where the citrus notes hit all the high notes.
Perfect for a dinner that tastes like sunshine on a plate, even if it’s raining outside.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a cast iron skillet inside to heat up. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, carefully take the skillet out.
- Add butter to the hot skillet, allowing it to melt. Season the butter with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets into the skillet with the skin side facing down. Immediately return the skillet to the oven.
- Roast the salmon in the oven until it is cooked to your preference. This should take a few minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Once the salmon is done, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top. Spoon the melted butter from the skillet over the herbs to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (2 pieces)
- Butter (unsalted, for roasting)
- Olive oil (equal part to butter)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, half portion)
- Fresh dill (chopped, half portion)
- Lemon slices (for steaming)
- Fresh lemon juice (squeezed, to taste)
FAQ
- Do you place the salmon in the pan with the skin side up or down initially?
- The recipe suggests placing the salmon skin side up, while some readers note the instruction to flip and remove the skin implies starting with the skin side down. It’s best to follow the recipe’s guidance or your preferred method based on prior experience.
- How can I avoid my oven smoking while cooking the salmon?
- To reduce oven smoking, ensure your oven is clean before cooking, and consider using an appropriate amount of butter or oil that won’t cause excess splattering. You might also experiment with slightly lowering the oven temperature while extending the cooking time.
- Is it possible to cook this recipe on a BBQ grill instead of an oven?
- Yes, you can prepare this salmon recipe on a gas BBQ. Preheat your cast iron skillet on the grill to around 450°F and proceed with the recipe as directed for delicious results.
- Can I use a combination of butter and olive oil in this recipe?
- Yes, using a mix of butter and olive oil is a great option. It adds a lighter finish and incorporates the pleasant taste of olive oil, balancing the richness of the butter.
- How can I ensure the salmon stays moist and doesn’t dry out?
- To keep the salmon moist, consider using a saltwater soak prior to cooking, as it effectively prevents drying. Additionally, cooking the salmon in parchment or foil with butter and lemon slices can help maintain its tenderness.
Tips
- Preheat the Skillet: Before placing the salmon in the oven, preheat your cast iron skillet to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. This can help prevent the fish from sticking and enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with Fats: Consider using a combination of butter and olive oil for a lighter finish. This will bring out the buttery flavor while adding a hint of olive oil taste.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, towards the end of cooking. This will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors without overpowering the salmon.
- Utilize a Saltwater Soak: To prevent the salmon from drying out, try soaking it in saltwater before cooking. This technique helps maintain the fish’s moisture and tenderness during the cooking process.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – Essential for cooking the salmon in the oven or on a BBQ to achieve a crispy skin.
- BBQ Grill – If preparing the salmon outside as mentioned in one of the comments.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure the oven or BBQ reaches the correct temperature for cooking the salmon effectively.
