Description
Succulent salmon meets bold Mediterranean spices in this mouthwatering Mediterranean Spiced Salmon recipe, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp herbed crust and perfectly seared fish promise a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly craft at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 salmon fillets
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cooking Fats and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
- Lemon wedges
Potatoes:
- 1 pound (454 grams) baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
Spiced Salmon Instructions:
- Select fresh salmon fillets and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Gently massage olive oil across the entire surface of each salmon fillet.
- Create a robust spice blend by thoroughly combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Evenly coat salmon fillets with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Choose cooking method: Oven (400F/200C) or stovetop pan-searing.
- For oven method, place fillets on parchment-lined baking sheet and cook 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
- For pan-searing, cook skin-side down 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
- Once removed from heat, immediately top with a pat of butter to create a luxurious glaze.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for brightness and serve immediately.
Roasted Baby Potatoes Instructions:
- Heat oven to 400F (200C) with rack in center position.
- Thoroughly wash and halve baby potatoes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a mixing bowl.
- Toss potatoes in herbed oil mixture, coating completely.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Arrange potatoes in single layer on baking sheet, ensuring no overlap.
- Roast 30-35 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through for consistent golden crispness.
Roasted Asparagus Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400F (200C), using same oven as potatoes.
- Trim woody ends from asparagus spears.
- Whisk together olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic.
- Gently toss asparagus in oil mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Spread asparagus on baking sheet in single layer.
- Roast 8-10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over asparagus.
- Return to oven 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Notes
- Select fresh salmon with firm, vibrant flesh and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
- Patting salmon dry ensures a crispy exterior and helps spices adhere better when cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, reducing for milder preference or increasing for extra heat.
- Butter adds richness and helps create a glossy, luxurious finish to the salmon’s surface.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier during baking.
- Check salmon’s doneness by its internal temperature reaching 145°F or when fish flakes easily with a fork.
- For gluten-free and dairy-free diets, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs for more intense, bright flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (oven) or 10 minutes (pan-searing)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 940 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 70 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 43 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 54 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg