Southern Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• For the Marinade:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Get the marinade ready:

Mix the ingredients: Mix the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a medium-sized bowl. Make sure the marinade is smooth and thoroughly mixed. Marinate the salmon. Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a large plastic bag that can be sealed. Coat the salmon evenly with the marinade by pouring it over each fillet. Refrigerate for at least half an hour or up to two hours after sealing the bag or covering the dish with plastic wrap.

Get the baking dish and oven ready:

Set the Oven’s Temperature to 375°F (190°C). Remove the marinated salmon from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for around ten minutes while the oven is heating up.

Get the baking dish ready: Apply cooking spray or olive oil to a large baking dish to lightly coat it. Line the bottom of the plate with a single layer of lemon slices. The lemons will give more flavor to the fish and keep it from sticking to the plate.

Prepare the salmon for baking: Let any extra marinade run off the salmon fillets when you remove them from the marinade. In the prepared baking dish, arrange the fillets over the lemon segments. Throw away any leftover marinade.

Bake the Salmon:

Bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated oven, or until it is cooked through and flakeable with a fork. The thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness will determine the precise cooking time. The internal temperature of salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) for it to be cooked to perfection.

Broil for a Crispy Finish (Optional):

If you prefer a slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the salmon to prevent it from burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the Salmon:

Once the salmon is done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve:

Serve the Southern Baked Salmon with your favorite side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with Southern staples like collard greens, cornbread, or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice.