Easy Baked Salmon Steaks

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Super healthy and elegant on the plate, a meal featuring baked salmon steaks is sure to tantalise the taste buds of everyone at your dinner table.

It wasn’t until I visited the Pacific Northwest that I was introduced to the myriad ways you can prepare salmon. I was surprised, but, given how plentiful salmon is in the area, I really shouldn’t have been. I mean, they have lots to experiment with. You see it everywhere, from waterfront seafood restaurants to the local markets. It’s fair to say this protein-rich treasure of the sea is ubiquitous in the region. When I came home, I didn’t have the land-locked blues. I was able to find salmon steaks at my favourite market. Even if fresh salmon wasn’t available, frozen salmon is flash-frozen at its freshest point, retaining the health benefits and nutritional value of fresh salmon. So it all worked out for me!

If you’re new to the world of salmon, this easy baked salmon steaks recipe will introduce you to the basics. With them, you will be able to build a tasty and healthy dish, whether as part of a quick weekday meal for the family or a weekend dinner party for eight. Oh, and no matter the occasion, it looks so elegant on the plate!

And once you’ve incorporated salmon into your regular diet, you will start to look as elegant as the salmon! (That’s meant as a compliment, I swear!) That’s because of the health benefits associated with the fish: low in calories, high in protein, and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids – the good fats! Even if you aren’t bothered about its nutritional value, salmon will win you over with its taste and versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are so many different preparations to try! I heartily recommend this sweet and spicy, quick and healthy Dijon Baked Salmon recipe. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to put the Dijon on EVERYTHING. Another great recipe for salmon that’s an absolute flavor bomb is our Lemon-Pepper Salmon. Once you realize how easy salmon is to prepare and how versatile it is, you’ll want to try all of our FFF recipes!

What should I look for when buying salmon?

Great question! After all, a good meal starts long before you even enter the kitchen. Buying a salmon that is not at its best means your meal won’t be, either. Salmon, like most meats, can be a bit tricky when your at your local fishmongers’. First, look at it. With me so far? Good. Your salmon should be a bright pink or orange color. Are there any spots of discoloration or an indication it has dried out? If so, keep looking. Next, physically inspect it (you may have to ask to do this). Press it. Is it firm? Does it bounce back? Good. If it’s mushy, it’s no good. Last, smell it. It should smell like a reinvigorating visit to the seaside, not like dozens of dead fish on the beach. If it smells “fishy”, it’s not the fish for you.

Ingredients

4 salmon steaks, small bones removed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
fresh basil (for garnish)

How to Make Easy Baked Salmon Steaks

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F, setting the stage for a perfectly baked salmon.

Step 2: Gently pat the salmon steaks dry with paper towels, ensuring they’re ready for a crisp bake. Drizzle with olive oil and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, and chili powder to create a flavorful spice blend. Rub this mixture onto both sides of the salmon steaks, infusing them with aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake the salmon steaks for 12 minutes, just until they’re cooked through and flaky, ensuring a moist and tender interior.

Step 5: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite succulent. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

FAQs & Tips

How should I store my salmon steaks?

Keep your salmon steaks cold until just before cooking by keeping them refrigerated and minimizing handling. This will help to maintain the integrity of the fish and keep it super fresh!

Any tips on how to avoid a mess when baking salmon?

Parchment paper isn’t a must, but it does make cleanup extra easy. If you don’t have any parchment paper on hand, just make sure to brush the baking sheet with a little extra olive oil to avoid sticking.

What is the best herb to add to my salmon steaks?

Fresh basil is a great option to add a burst of colour and brightness to your salmon steaks, but feel free to use any fresh herbs you might have on hand, such as oregano or Italian parsley.

What can I use if I run out of fresh garlic?

I always keep a jar of minced garlic in the fridge in case I run short (or just don’t feel like peeling and chopping). A teaspoon of minced garlic equals 2 cloves of garlic.

How will I know when my salmon is done?

The salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature once you take it out of the oven. You’ll also be able to tell that your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Add lemon wedges and fresh herbs to your salmon steaks for a composed dish. Serve a side of our Pressure Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Instant Pot) for an easy family-friendly weeknight meal. Or step up a dinner party by pairing your salmon with our gorgeous Roasted Beet Salad with Walnut and Blue Cheese. For dessert, whip up this exotic Apple Almond Bavarian Cheesecake in just a few easy steps.