Foolproof Salmon Baked with Olive Oil and Herbs

By nlhartman

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/4 pounds salmon fillet
• Sea salt and pepper
• 1 large shallot, roughly chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) dill fronds
• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) flat-leaf parsley or tarragon leaves
• 1 lemon, zested

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 45mins
Adapted from rachaelraymag.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 250 degrees . Pour 1/4 cup olive oil into a baking pan just large enough to hold the salmon in one piece. Lay the salmon, skin side down, in the olive oil. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and pepper.

In a food chopper or food processor, blend the shallot, dill, parsley and lemon zest. Blend in the remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil. Pat herb paste on the salmon. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. To check for doneness, insert the tines of a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently pull apart. If the fish flakes easily, then it is done.

To serve the salmon, gently slide a spatula under the fish and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the fillet into four equal pieces. If desired, lift the fish away from the skin to serve.