Salmon

Alaskan Salmon Bake

Name: Alaskan Salmon Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz each; 2 large onions, sliced; 2 lemons, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup white wine; 1/2 cup chicken broth

By Nathaniel Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Salmon

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. Today, I'm excited to share with you my favorite recipe for Alaskan Salmon Bake, a dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, let's get started!

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice. And, because it's a bake, it's easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for a crowd.

As we cook through this recipe together, I'll be sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks for working with seafood. From how to choose the freshest fish to how to achieve a perfect flake, I'll be covering it all. So, whether you're a seasoned seafood pro or just starting out, you'll find plenty of helpful advice and guidance throughout this recipe.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive in and get started with this delicious Alaskan Salmon Bake recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The salmon is baked to perfection, with a crispy crust and a tender interior
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides
It's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients
The dish is flavorful and moist, with a delicious aromatic sauce
It's a crowd-pleaser and can be made in large quantities

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in its simplicity. By using a few high-quality ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, we can create a dish that's both flavorful and moist. The salmon is baked to perfection, with a nice crispy crust on the outside and a tender, flaky interior.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking seafood is to not overcook it. Fish, in particular, can become dry and tough if it's cooked for too long. To avoid this, we'll be using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. This ensures that it's cooked to a safe temperature, without sacrificing any of its natural moisture.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics. By adding some sliced onions and lemons to the baking sheet, we can create a flavorful and aromatic sauce that complements the salmon perfectly. This sauce is then finished with some butter and parsley, adding a rich and creamy element to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including some fresh salmon fillets, sliced onions, lemons, garlic, and parsley. You'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to season the dish. Don't worry if you can't find Alaskan salmon - any type of salmon will work for this recipe.

When shopping for salmon, look for fillets that are fresh and have a nice pink color. Avoid any fillets that have a strong fishy smell or appear to be dry or gray. You can also ask your fishmonger for advice on the best type of salmon to use for this recipe.

4 salmon fillets, 6 oz eachLook for fresh salmon fillets with a nice pink color and a mild smell. Avoid any fillets that have a strong fishy smell or appear to be dry or gray.
2 large onions, slicedUse a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the onions thinly, so they cook evenly and add a nice texture to the dish.
2 lemons, slicedUse a sharp knife to slice the lemons thinly, so they release their juices and add a nice flavor to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely, so it distributes evenly throughout the dish and adds a nice depth of flavor.
1/4 cup olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a nice flavor and aroma, as it will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley that has a nice flavor and aroma, as it will add a nice freshness to the dish.
1 tsp saltUse a flaky sea salt or kosher salt to season the dish, as it will add a nice texture and flavor.
1/2 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper to season the dish, as it will add a nice depth of flavor.
2 tbsp unsalted butterUse a high-quality unsalted butter that has a nice flavor and aroma, as it will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
1/2 cup white wineUse a dry white wine that has a nice flavor and aroma, as it will add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
1/2 cup chicken brothUse a low-sodium chicken broth that has a nice flavor and aroma, as it will add a nice moisture and flavor to the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetSharp knifeMandolineCutting boardInstant-read thermometerWhisk

How to Make Alaskan Salmon Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
3
Place the sliced onions and lemons on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in the center for the salmon fillets.
4
Drizzle the olive oil over the onions and lemons, and sprinkle with minced garlic.
5
Season the onions and lemons with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down (if they have skin).
7
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).
9
While the salmon is baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the white wine, chicken broth, and melted butter in a small bowl.
10
After the salmon has baked for 12-15 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush the sauce over the top of each fillet.
11
Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the salmon is cooked through.
12
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
13
Garnish the salmon with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your choice of sides.

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before baking to remove excess moisture.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the salmon from cooking evenly.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, as this will ensure that it's cooked to a safe temperature.
Don't overbake the salmon, as this can cause it to become dry and tough.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and the fish to stay moist.
Use a high-quality olive oil that has a nice flavor and aroma, as this will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to find the combination that you like best.
Consider serving the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa for a well-rounded and healthy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can prevent the salmon from cooking evenly.
Not patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before baking, which can cause excess moisture to accumulate and prevent the fish from cooking properly.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, which can cause the fish to be undercooked or overcooked.
Overbaking the salmon, which can cause it to become dry and tough.
Not letting the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the fish to become dry.
Not using a high-quality olive oil that has a nice flavor and aroma, which can affect the overall flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the baking sheet for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique flavor profile.
Try using a different type of wine, such as red wine or champagne, for a different flavor and aroma.
Add some grated cheese, such as parmesan or feta, to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Use a different type of broth, such as fish broth or vegetable broth, for a different flavor and aroma.
Try serving the salmon with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or brown rice for a different texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Alaskan Salmon Bake

This Alaskan Salmon Bake is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or brown rice. You can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed broccoli for a healthy and well-rounded meal.

Consider serving the salmon with a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a delicious and nutritious meal. You can also serve it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or brown rice for a different texture and flavor.

Roasted asparagusQuinoaBrown riceSteamed broccoliRoasted sweet potatoesSide salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Alaskan Salmon Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply place the salmon in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the fish.

It's also a good idea to label and date the container, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. This will help you ensure that you're serving safe and healthy food to your family and friends.

When reheating, make sure to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure that it's heated to a safe temperature. You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 145 F (63 C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Any type of salmon will work for this recipe, but Alaskan salmon is preferred for its rich flavor and firm texture.

How do I know if the salmon is cooked through?

You can check the internal temperature of the salmon with a thermometer, which should be at least 145 F (63 C). You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fillet - if it slides in easily, the salmon is cooked through.

Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of fish for this recipe, such as cod or tilapia. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type of fish you're using.

How do I store the cooked salmon?

You can store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake the salmon.

What are some good sides to serve with this recipe?

Some good sides to serve with this recipe include roasted vegetables, quinoa, brown rice, or a side salad.

Can I use a different type of wine for the sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of wine for the sauce, such as red wine or champagne. Just be sure to adjust the amount of wine according to your personal taste preferences.

How do I reheat the cooked salmon?

You can reheat the cooked salmon in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the fish.

The Full Recipe

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