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Easy King Salmon Recipes

Easy King Salmon Recipes

These Easy King Salmon Recipes offer quick, healthy, and flavorful meals featuring tender, flaky king salmon fillets enhanced with bold, fresh ingredients and simple preparation methods. Perfect for weeknights, they bring gourmet quality with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • King salmon fillets (4 fillets, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional spices: 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked chili powder

Fresh Herbs and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional Variations

  • Honey mustard glaze: 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (in place of lemon juice)
  • Asian-inspired: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Herb crust: ¼ cup mixed herbs and ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
  • Dairy-free option: substitute 2 tablespoons avocado oil for olive oil
  • Spicy kick: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you choose to use. This ensures a flavorful and crispy crust while cooking.
  2. Preheat Your Pan or Oven: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer baking. Proper heat will give you the perfect sear or roast.
  3. Cook the Salmon: For pan-searing, place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving it to develop crispy skin. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. For baking, place salmon on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then roast for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Add Fresh Flavors: Once cooked, drizzle the salmon with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped herbs and minced garlic on top for vibrant flavor and aroma.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salmon with your preferred garnishes such as lemon wedges and fresh herbs, alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious and effortless meal!

Notes

  • Let the salmon fillets sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
  • Avoid overcooking; aim for a slightly translucent center to keep the fish moist and tender.
  • Use a fish spatula to flip the delicate fillets without breaking them apart.
  • Cook with the skin on to add texture and help hold the fillet together; you may remove skin after cooking if preferred.
  • Add fresh lemon juice after cooking to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.
  • Allow the cooked salmon to rest for 3 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Nutrition

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