Imagine diving into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, paired with fluffy, aromatic rice that complements every single bite. This Baked Salmon with Rice recipe is your ticket to transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this foolproof method guarantees a delicious meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a baking dish and a separate rice pot.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place lemon slices on the bottom of the baking dish to create a flavorful base for the salmon.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices, skin-side down.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Plate the rice and place a salmon fillet on top of each portion. Garnish with additional lemon slices if desired.
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the salmon - it should be slightly translucent in the center and flake easily.
- Let the salmon rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- Choose vegetable broth for the rice to add an extra layer of flavor compared to plain water.
- Use a meat thermometer if you want precision: salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
- For extra zest, try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to your salmon before baking.
- If you prefer crispy salmon skin, you can briefly broil the fillets for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
