Discover the delightful harmony of flavors in our "Baked Salmon with Sweet Candy Onions" recipe, where succulent salmon meets the sweet, caramelized goodness of onions. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of elegance to your dining table, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Are you ready to elevate your culinary skills and create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds? Dive into this simple yet exquisite recipe that promises to be a showstopper!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large baking dish, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
- Slice the sweet onions into thin, uniform rings, ensuring even cooking and caramelization.
- Spread the sliced onions across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a bed for the salmon fillets.
- Season the salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves on both sides.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the onion bed, skin-side down if applicable.
- Arrange lemon slices around and on top of the salmon to infuse citrus flavor during baking.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the salmon and onions to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh thyme and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Look for vibrant color and a slight sheen.
- Onion Slicing: Ensure your sweet onions are sliced uniformly to promote even cooking and caramelization. The sweeter the onion, the better the flavor!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and thyme. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and onions.
- Use a Baking Dish: A large baking dish allows for even cooking and easy cleanup. Make sure to coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme and lemon wedges when serving for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 337kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
