Salmon, oh how it transforms under the broiler—it’s like magic. I remember last summer, standing barefoot in my kitchen, craving something light yet indulgent. This broiled salmon recipe, with its simple yet sublime essence, became my go-to.
It’s like that favorite song you can’t get out of your head, so easy yet deeply satisfying. Perfect for those evenings when time seems to slip away, and all you need is a quick, delicious fix.
Steps
- Preheat your oven’s broiler and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Place the salmon fillets in the bowl and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade.
- Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil the salmon for 10-15 minutes, until it is browned on top and the flesh is opaque.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven, garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, each weighing 4-6 ounces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley, with extra for garnish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Cooking spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1096kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 92g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 248mg | Sodium: 2368mg | Potassium: 2260mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 8.8mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 4.8mg
FAQ
- How is broiled salmon prepared?
- To prepare broiled salmon, whisk olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic in a bowl. Coat the salmon fillets with this mixture, place them on a prepared sheet pan, and broil at 500 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until they appear opaque and have a browned top. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
- What is the ideal temperature for broiling salmon?
- The ideal temperature for broiling salmon is typically the broil setting of your oven, usually around 500-550 degrees F. If your broiler operates at 450 degrees F, that will work too. The high heat is crucial for achieving a caramelized exterior.
- How does broiling differ from baking?
- Broiling uses high heat from above, activating only the top heating element of the oven. It is ideal for cooking thin cuts of meat quickly, crisping breads, or melting cheese. Baking, on the other hand, uses surrounding heat from both the top and bottom elements.
- How can you tell if the salmon is cooked properly?
- Salmon is done when its flesh transitions from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Additionally, the top should be browned, indicating the release of flavors through caramelization.
- Are there any variations to the basic broiled salmon recipe?
- Yes, you can modify the recipe to suit different tastes. For a Cilantro Lime version, replace lemon with lime and use cilantro instead of parsley and thyme. For a Mexican twist, use the marinade from a chicken burrito bowl recipe. An Asian variation can include green onions, minced ginger, and sesame oil in the marinade.
Tips
- Ensure your broiler is preheated to a high temperature, ideally between 500-550 degrees F, to achieve a beautifully caramelized and browned exterior on the salmon.
- When mixing the marinade, be sure to whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed and coat the salmon fillets completely.
- To customize the flavor of your broiled salmon, consider experimenting with different herbs and citrus combinations, such as using lime and cilantro for a zesty twist.
- To check if the salmon is done, look for the flesh to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork, while also observing a nicely browned top to ensure the flavors are fully developed.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – If you don’t have a suitable sheet pan for broiling, you might consider purchasing one.
- Whisk – For mixing the marinade ingredients together.
- Cooking Spray – Often used to coat the sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Broiler-safe Oven – Although not equipment you’d typically buy on Amazon, ensure your oven has a broil setting. If you’re looking to upgrade, you might find some small broiler appliances available online.
