This herb-infused baked salmon served with fluffy dill rice is a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The salmon is baked to perfection, infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, while the aromatic dill rice provides a light, refreshing complement. Packed with omega-3s and vibrant flavors, this dish is both nutritious and delicious!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 1 salmon fillet and 1 cup of rice
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 170g/6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15g) fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Dill Rice:
- 200g (1 cup) long-grain rice
- 500ml (2 cups) water or broth
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 1 tbsp (15g) fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
Method of Preparation:
For the Salmon:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the herb mixture generously over each fillet. Lay a few lemon slices on top of each fillet for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F).
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.
For the Dill Rice:
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add the rice, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with herbs: Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the chopped dill. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the dill rice alongside the baked salmon for a beautiful, well-balanced meal.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Choose high-quality salmon: For the best flavor, use fresh wild-caught salmon, as it’s richer in flavor and nutrients.
- Check for doneness: To prevent overcooking, check the salmon early and remove it from the oven once it easily flakes with a fork.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, and thyme bring brightness to the dish, but you can use dried herbs in a pinch (reduce amounts by half if using dried).
- For extra flavor, marinate: If you have time, marinate the salmon in the herb mixture for 30 minutes to infuse even more flavor.
- Substitute grains: Feel free to substitute the rice with quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a different take on the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Frozen salmon should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Can I substitute other herbs? Absolutely! Basil, cilantro, or chives can work well if you prefer different herb flavors. Just be sure to adjust quantities based on their strength.
- How can I store leftovers? Store leftover salmon and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the salmon from drying out.
- Can I cook this dish in foil? Yes, you can wrap the salmon in foil to create a steaming effect, which helps keep it moist. Cook for 15-18 minutes if using this method.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make great additions and complement the flavors of the salmon and rice.
Herb-infused baked salmon with dill rice is an easy yet sophisticated meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The fresh herbs, tender salmon, and fragrant rice come together for a dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe delivers vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation in every bite.