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Garlic Cilantro Baked Salmon, a featured image showcasing a delicious and healthy meal idea.

Garlic Cilantro Baked Salmon

This Garlic Cilantro Baked Salmon recipe delivers flaky, tender salmon infused with vibrant flavors. It's incredibly delicious, simple to make, and perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Paper towels
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes (if using), and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Spoon the garlic cilantro sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

Notes

Don't overcook the salmon; it's best when slightly undercooked in the center. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently. For variations, consider adding lemon zest and juice, increasing the honey, or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.