Imagine a restaurant-quality salmon dish that's incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress your dinner guests. Our "Salmon in a Pouch" recipe is a game-changing cooking method that locks in moisture, infuses your fish with zesty lemon and herb notes, and makes clean-up a breeze. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this foolproof technique will transform your seafood game and have everyone asking for your secret.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is in the middle position.
- Cut two large pieces of parchment paper or aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long, to create individual pouches for the salmon.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the center of each parchment paper/foil piece to prevent sticking.
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of each prepared parchment paper/foil piece.
- Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Arrange sliced zucchini around and on top of the salmon fillets.
- Place 2-3 lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish and vegetables.
- Carefully fold and seal the edges of the parchment paper/foil to create a tight pouch, ensuring no steam can escape.
- Place the sealed pouches on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening the pouches.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately directly from the pouch or transfer to serving plates.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with a bright color and firm texture.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly in a pouch. Check at 15 minutes to prevent drying out - it should flake easily but still look moist.
- Customize Your Pouch: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add thin slices of garlic for extra flavor.
- Parchment vs. Foil: Parchment paper allows better steam circulation and is more environmentally friendly, but aluminum foil works well too.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light salad or quinoa for a complete, nutritious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 506kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 41g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 109mg
