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When making One-Pan Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon, using fresh and quality ingredients is key. Here’s what you need: - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried dill - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - 1 tablespoon capers (rinsed) - Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The salmon gives a rich flavor and healthy fats. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds a light taste. Garlic powder enhances the overall taste without overpowering it. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Heavy cream adds that creamy texture we love, while lemon zest and juice bring brightness. Dried dill and parsley add freshness and depth. Lastly, capers give a nice briny touch that elevates the dish. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs for garnish. They will add color and flavor. This dish is straightforward but full of taste. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as they will create a delightful meal! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps cook the salmon evenly. Preheating is key. It ensures your dish cooks right and flavors blend well. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. The oil should be hot before you add the salmon. Place the fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin turns crispy. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Then, remove the salmon and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, and 1 tablespoon of rinsed capers. Stir these ingredients together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and enhances the flavors. Now, return the salmon fillets to the skillet. Nestle them in the creamy sauce and spoon some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This step cooks the salmon through while keeping it moist. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. When choosing salmon, look for bright, moist fillets. Fresh salmon should have a clean scent, like the sea. Avoid any fish with a strong, fishy smell. The skin should be shiny, and the flesh should bounce back when pressed. For sustainable options, look for salmon labeled as wild-caught or certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. This ensures that your choice supports healthy fish populations and ecosystems. Using an oven-safe skillet is key. This allows you to sear the salmon and bake it all in one pan. A good skillet retains heat well, giving you a nice sear on the fish. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a regular skillet and transfer the salmon to a baking dish after searing. This way, you get the same great flavor and texture. For the best presentation, serve the salmon right from the skillet. It looks rustic and inviting. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. Pair this dish with sides like steamed vegetables or fluffy rice. These sides complement the creamy sauce and provide a balanced meal. You could also serve a light salad for freshness. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fit your needs. Here are some easy swaps: - Dairy-free options: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. This keeps the sauce creamy while making it dairy-free. - Fresh herb variations: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried ones. Fresh dill or parsley will add a vibrant taste. Want to change the taste? Here are some fun ideas: - Adding heat with spices: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will give your salmon a nice kick. - Alternative citrus fruits: If you want a twist, try lime or orange juice. These fruits will brighten up the dish in a different way. You can cook this salmon in various ways. Here are two options: - Grilling vs. baking: Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Cook the salmon on a hot grill for about 6-8 minutes per side. - Skillet-only methods: For a quick meal, cook the salmon entirely in a skillet. Just skip the oven step and cook it longer on the stove until fully cooked. These variations let you enjoy the dish in different styles. Feel free to mix and match! To keep your One-Pan Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon fresh, follow these tips: - Let the salmon cool to room temperature. - Place the salmon in an airtight container. - Add the creamy sauce on top for moisture. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. - Avoid storing in metal containers as they can react with the lemon. - Use glass or plastic containers for best results. To reheat salmon without losing its great taste, try these steps: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish. - Cover it with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. - Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. - Check on it often to avoid overcooking. - If using a microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. - Add a splash of water if it seems dry. These methods will help keep your salmon tender and juicy. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillet. For a 6 oz fillet, bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. If your fillet is thicker, increase the time by a couple of minutes. Always check for doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or under cold water for quicker results. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking. This helps get that nice crispy skin when searing it. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well. It adds a nice creaminess and a hint of sweetness. You can also use nut-based creams for different flavors. This blog post covered everything you need to know about baking delicious salmon. We reviewed key ingredients, such as fresh salmon and heavy cream, and shared simple steps to get crispy skin and a creamy sauce. I also provided tips on selecting quality salmon and creative variations. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating to keep leftovers tasty. Remember, cooking can be fun! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques as you create your tasty salmon dish.

One-Pan Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon

Indulge in a delightful One-Pan Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon that's sure to impress! This easy recipe features tender salmon fillets in a rich, zesty cream sauce infused with herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and presentation tips that will elevate your meal. Get ready to savor every bite!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon capers (rinsed)

Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.

      Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

        In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and capers. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them in the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the tops of the fillets.

            Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

              Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.

                - Presentation Tips: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve directly from the skillet for a rustic feel or transfer to individual plates. Pair with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4