Super easy baked salmon fillets topped with fresh chopped basil and garlic mixed with crushed Calabrian peppers spiced with Ras El Hanout spice blend to make the most delicious seasoned salmon with the bonus of broccolini all in one baking dish.
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Easy Baked Salmon
Weeknight dinner is made easy with the Calabrian Pepper Basil Baked Salmon and Broccolini recipe, a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors that promises an enjoyable, simple meal.
Inspired by the vibrant cuisine of Southern Italy, this healthy dish harmoniously combines the bold heat of Calabrian peppers with the aromatic freshness of basil and garlic. The succulent salmon fillets in this zesty sauce are baked to perfection alongside vibrant, crisp, tender broccolini, creating a colorful and nutritious ensemble.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or just looking to add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table, this recipe is a testament to the simplicity and richness that quality ingredients can bring to your home-cooked meals. Prepare to savor every bite of this tantalizing dish that effortlessly marries the robust and the refined.
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Ingredients
To begin with, if you are serving this dish with rice, be sure to start the jasmine rice before prepping the rest of the ingredients in this recipe. Coat the broccolini pieces in a large baking dish in avocado oil, kosher salt, and ground black pepper and bake halfway.
While the broccolini bakes, make the sauce by combining crushed Calabrian peppers, Ras el Hanout, lemon juice, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and avocado oil. Then chop the garlic cloves and fresh basil leaves together and add to the sauce. Place the salmon between the vegetables, spoon on the sauce, and back again.
Instructions
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
After seasoning the broccolini, spread them out evenly to cook uniformly.
You won't need a big bowl to make the sauce; you can combine it with a whisk or spoon.
Chopping the garlic and basil together is convenient and a great way to break down and infuse the flavors together before adding them to the sauce.
Evenly top each fillet with the sauce by spooning a spoon at a time on each fillet, then going back to add more.
Covering the baking dish during the cooking process allows the salmon to steam along with the broccolini to create some sauce to drizzle on the salmon later.
Busy Folks - Become a better home cook with cooking tips to help you cook more efficiently on Cook's Notebook tab. In addition, some related detailed steps can be found there. Learn more about prepping fish.
Side Dish Suggestions
Serve with a fresh arugula salad with mixed baby greens, quartered Campari tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Substitutions
Dairy Free
- This dish is already dairy-free!
Gluten-Free
- This dish is already gluten-free!
Vegetarian
- Salmon - Use pressed tofu, cut each block in half and make multiple slits on one side. Make the sauce and let it marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. Remove and press nori seaweed wrap onto the bottom of the tofu to mimic skin and to hold it together. Place the marinated tofu between the seasoned broccoli, spoon on the remaining marinade, and bake covered for 15 minutes.
Convenience
- Jasmine Rice - Invest in a rice cooker to conveniently cook the rice to perfection effortlessly while you prep the rest of the meal, like the COSORI Rice Cooker Maker (18 Functions Multi Cooker).
- Broccolini - Use regular broccoli with some of the stems still attached. You can also try Chinese broccoli.
- Crushed Calabrian Peppers - Use red pepper flakes or chopped pickled red Thai chili peppers.
- Avocado Oil - If you already have olive oil, you can use this instead.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- More flavor - Before juicing the lemon, zest it for a more citrus aromatic kick. Also, add a splash of white wine to the baking dish when you remove the broccolini from the oven to add the salmon.
- Add Crunch - Add chopped Marcona almonds or pine nuts to the sauce before topping the salmon. Even a bread crumb topping will work; add lightly olive oil-tossed bread crumbs with fresh herbs to the salmon in the last 7 minutes of baking.
- Chicken Breast - Replace the salmon with chicken breast; I suggest scoring the chicken to cook faster.
Equipment
- Paper Towels - Used to pat dry the salmon to allow the sauce to adhere.
- Oven - To bake the salmon dish.
- Large Baking Dish - I used a 3-quart Pyrex Easy Grab Glass Baking Dish to develop this recipe.
- Aluminum Foil - Used to cover the broccoli and the salmon later to steam and cook the ingredients.
- Small Mixing Bowl - To combine the ingredients for the sauce.
- Tongs - Can be used to toss and season the broccolini, but will used later to move them aside to add the salmon.
- Fish Spatula - Used to remove and serve the salmon gently. Don't have one? Try the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner.
Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage
- Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, you can leave the salmon and broccolini in the baking dish or place them in a shallow 2-inch container to cool down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container. As a result, the meal will last up to two days.
- Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above. Then, place the salmon in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.
Air Tight Food Containers - I use Glass Food Storage Containers with a plastic clipping lid to store food. For example, I always suggest glass storage containers since you can microwave them and hold food without staining the container, and the glass keeps them at a more stable temperature, which keeps the food fresher longer.
Cooking Tip
Perfect Every Time - For perfectly baked salmon fillets, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy exterior. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork – a foolproof method for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When selecting the best salmon fillets at the grocery store, look for vibrant, moist flesh with a fresh ocean scent. Opt for center-cut fillets that are firm to the touch and glossy, avoiding any signs of browning or discoloration.
Additionally, check for the absence of excessive liquid, as this could indicate a less fresh product and more of a frozen product. Choose wild-caught salmon for a more robust flavor and optimal nutritional profile if possible.
Don't hesitate to ask the store assistant for help or recommendations, and trust your instincts – the ideal salmon fillet should not only meet these visual and olfactory criteria but also leave you with a sense of confidence in the quality of your purchase.
Certainly! You can use frozen salmon fillets for baking with excellent results. Before baking, it's essential to thaw the fillets by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using a quick thawing method in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Once thawed, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and proceed with the instructions. This approach ensures even cooking and retains the salmon's moisture and flavor, resulting in a delicious and perfectly baked dish. Never bake frozen fish.
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- Seared Snapper Spicy Creole Sauce and Roasted Vegetables
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Video
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📖 Recipe
Calabrian Pepper Basil Baked Salmon and Broccolini
Ingredients
Rice and Broccolini
- 3 cups cooked Jasmine rice
- 12 broccolini pieces
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Salmon and Sauce
- 4 salmon center-cut fillets skin-on
- 3 tablespoons crushed Calabrian peppers
- 1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout
- 1 medium lemon juiced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 12 basil leaves
Equipment
- Paper Towels
- Oven
- Aluminum Foil
- Small Mixing Bowl
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Cook the Rice: Cook rice as instructed on the package, or click here for rice cooking instructions.
- Prepare the Salmon: If you wish to remove the salmon skin, you can do so now. Then, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and set aside.
- Set the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Broccolini: Season broccolini with salt, pepper, and avocado oil in a large baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven to bake for 8 minutes. Make the sauce while the vegetable bakes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine crushed Calabrian peppers, Ras el Hanout, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and avocado oil. Then, chop the garlic with the basil, add to the mixing bowl, and whisk to make the sauce.
- Cook the Salmon: Remove the baking dish from the oven, toss the broccolini, and add the salmon fillets skin side down, nestles between the broccolini. Then, spoon the sauce over the salmon fillets. With a pair of oven mittens, carefully place the foil back on and bake for 12 minutes.
- Serve: Place a scoop of rice on the plate, place a couple pieces of broccolini on, and top of the rice with a pair of tongs. Then, with a fish spatula, gently place the salmon on top. Finally, drizzle the sauce from the baking dish over the salmon.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook salmon to a minimum temperature of 145 °F (63 °C).
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat to prevent foodborne illness from contaminated uncooked meats.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
- Don't leave food at room temperature for extended periods; this can breed bacteria.
- Never leave cooking food unattended to prevent burns and fires.
- Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Have a Comment or Question?
If you have a question or comment about this salmon recipe, please post it below. You will definitely get a quick response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!
Murph says
I haven't cooked your salmon recipe yet, I will really be cooking your recipe tomorrow for dinner. I just finished reading the recipe, I'm impressed, Salmon is thawing in my refrigerator.
Maika says
Hi Murph! Sounds great! If you have any questions, ask away and let me know how it goes!