I just love salmon! It has a rich flavor, there are so many ways to prepare it, it is so good for you, it goes well with almost anything, and the list could go on.
This time of year I like to grill salmon, but since I haven’t begun learning to grill and some days I don’t want to bother my husband to do it, the oven is the next best place to prepare it. I was in the mood to keep things simple this time so I mixed up a quick paste in the food processor, rubbed it on and salmon, covered it with onion slices, and wrapped it in foil! It turned out beautiful and tasted very fresh, plus the clean up was a breeze, just threw the foil in the garbage and I was done! Simple dinner, easy clean up, life is good.
When you make this salmon be sure to watch closely for doneness. It is easy to overcook salmon and as a result it gets dry. Wrapping it in foil helps keep the moisture in, but the correct baking time is key. To check for doneness use a fork to see if it “flakes” in the thickest part, if it does, the salmon is done. The thicker the salmon used, the longer it will bake.
Looking for another salmon recipe? Try my Maple Glazed Salmon or Salmon with a Dill & Mayo Sauce. Have left over cooked salmon, then my Salmon Chowder is a must make!
Baked Basil Salmon
- 1 salmon fillet
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
- Dash of cayenne, optional
- 4 slices of onion
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a blender or small food processor chop the fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, olive oil, pepper, garlic, and cayenne.
Place a piece of foil on a rimmed cookie sheet, large enough to cover your salmon fillet or pieces. Place the salmon, skin side down, on the foil.
Using the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula spread the basil sauce evenly over the salmon. Arrange the onion slices over the top of the sauce. Wrap the salmon in the foil, pinching it closed at the top, not tightly wrapping it.
Place the salmon in the preheated oven for 16-22 minutes, or until it flakes when poked with a fork. Enjoy immediately!
The kitchen is where I express myself. It is where I go when I need to process or escape. Cooking is my creative outlet and my stress reliever. When I am in my kitchen, my ingredients listen to me, they do what I want, and I can produce something that is satisfying, tasty, and healthy without it whining or talking back to me! Join me as I journey through life in my kitchen. 
Love this. Wouldn’t change a thing. Even my husband who strongly dislikes salmon (won’t eat it) ate half a filet. Very yummy. And I did add the cayenne, a bit too much of it, but it was still good…just spicy.
Well that is pretty good to convert a “non salmon eater”! Please feel free to spread the word about my blog to friends and family. I’m so glad you are enjoying it so much and I love to hear what you think. Thanks Susan