Delicious Baked Salmon With Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

Delicious moments are better shared!

This salmon dish, while not traditional, borrows the essence of Latin flavors to create an unforgettable fusion – Baked Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce. So, join me as we embark on this delightful culinary adventure and create a dish that will impress your loved ones and leave them craving more of this incredibly delicious salmon with creamy cilantro garlic sauce.

Tips For Perfectly Baked Salmon

Achieving a perfectly baked salmon is about following a recipe and understanding the nuances of cooking this delicate fish. Here are some expert tips to help you create a moist, tender, and flavorful baked salmon every time:

Choose Quality Salmon

Choose fresh, high-quality salmon from a trusted supplier. Wild-caught salmon is often recommended for its superior taste and nutritional value, but sustainably farmed salmon can also be a good choice. Look for firm, moist, and vibrant-colored fillets with a mild scent.

Proper Storage and Handling

Keep the salmon refrigerated at all times, ideally in its original packaging. If you need to store it for over a day or two, consider placing the salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil.

Bring to Room Temperature

Before baking, remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly and reduce the risk of overcooking the outer layers.

Pat Dry and Season

Gently pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can cause the fish to steam rather than bake. You can season the salmon with your desired seasonings and distribute them evenly.

Preheat the Oven

Preheating your oven is essential for achieving a perfectly baked salmon. Aim for an oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) for a well-balanced cooking time and temperature.

Use Parchment Paper or Foil

Line your baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or foil to prevent the salmon from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Keep an Eye on the Cooking Time

Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet. Generally, bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remember that the salmon will continue to cook slightly after it has been removed from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than overcooked.

Let the Salmon Rest

After removing the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the residual heat to finish the cooking process.

Don’t Overcook

Overcooked salmon can become dry and lose its delicate flavor. Keep an eye on your salmon and use a fork or a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If it flakes easily and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Variations and Tips: Personalizing Your Baked Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe

Feel free to make this dish your own by experimenting with these variations and tips:

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the yogurt for sour cream or crème fraîche for a richer, creamier sauce. If cilantro isn’t your favorite herb, consider using fresh dill or parsley as an alternative.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cilantro garlic sauce to give it a fiery kick.

Cooking Techniques

If you prefer a different cooking method, wrap the seasoned salmon in foil and bake for a tender, steamed effect. Alternatively, try pan-searing or grilling the salmon for a crispy exterior.

Pairing the Dish

The Latin-inspired creamy cilantro garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Be creative and serve it with various sides, such as roasted vegetables, black beans, or zesty salsa.

You can serve this delicious salmon dish with plantain chips or arañitas de platano.

Salmon With Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

Print Recipe

Creamy cilantro garlic sauce with baked salmon

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword baked salmon, cilantro garlic sauce, creamy cilantro garlic sauce, Dinner, low-carb, Quick Dinner, seafood

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Calories 367

Author Olga Muñoz

Equipment

• 1 Convection Toaster Oven
• 1 Food processor
• 1 Medium-sized Mixing Bowl
• 1 Medium-sized Baking Dish
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Knife
• 1 Spoon

Ingredients

Baked Salmon

• 2 lbs Fresh Salmon or 4-6 fillets or portions
• 1/8 tsp Salt organic
• 1 tsp Avocado Oil

Yogurt Cilantro Garlic Sauce

• 1 cup Plain Yogurt Greek and grass fed
• 1 cup Cilantro destemmed
• 6 cloves Garlic
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 pinch Black pepper Optional
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper Optional

Instructions

Baked Salmon

• Step One

  Preheat and Prepare: Setting the stage for success.

  A. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

  B. Season and Bake: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and then place the skin on the prepared baking sheet.

  Step Two

  Drizzle one tbsp of avocado oil on the salmon and run it evenly on the surface. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste.

  Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Yogurt Cilantro Garlic Sauce

• Step Three

  Rinse, clean and destem the cilantro and let dry.

  Combine the cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and pinch of salt and pepper and chop in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning if needed.

Serve

• Step Four

  Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve and generously spoon the creamy cilantro garlic sauce over the salmon, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
• Serve with a grain like rice or steamed vegetables or mixed greens.

Notes

Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.