Are you ready to transform your home cooking into a Mediterranean culinary masterpiece? Imagine serving a dish so incredibly flavorful and elegant that your dinner guests will think you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen. This Baked Salmon Anchovy Fillets recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, buttery texture of salmon with the intense, umami-packed punch of anchovies, creating a dining experience that's both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Anchovy fillets
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking salmon and will help achieve a flaky texture.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your ingredients. Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic finely and set aside. If using fresh salmon fillets, ensure they are thawed and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the minced garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. This mixture will add flavor to the salmon and help keep it moist while baking.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
- Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the flavor of the fish.
- Using a spoon, drizzle the garlic and olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will infuse the salmon with a rich flavor.
- Next, take the anchovy fillets and lay them on top of each salmon fillet. The anchovies will add a savory umami flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is baking, you can prepare any side dishes you desire. A simple salad or roasted vegetables would pair well with this dish.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the fish.
- Before serving, squeeze some additional lemon juice over the salmon for a fresh burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve the baked salmon anchovy fillets warm, alongside your chosen sides. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Tips
- Always choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a vibrant color and firm texture.
- Pat your salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect crisp exterior.
- Don't overcook! Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center, which keeps it moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons for a slightly sweeter citrus note.
- If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute with capers for a similar briny flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: mg
