Easy and Healthy Baked Salmon With Rice

This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe is a delightful and easy-to-prepare seafood dish that combines a succulent salmon, served over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice alongside refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Let’s face it! We all come across those evenings when it’s been a long day at work, exhausted from having to enslave in the kitchen for hours to get dinner on the table. This easy salmon recipe is precisely for those lazy weeknights when you want to whip up a healthy meal that’s delicious and satisfying, and a breeze to make. Say goodbye to takeout or those time-consuming dinners, and embrace this simple yet one of the best salmon recipes you have ever tried.

This baked salmon recipe is a time-saver and packed with essential nutrients without lacking mouthwatering flavors, thanks to the zesty marinade. Salmon is a good source of proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. The zesty spice rub adds a perfect savory kiss that will make you lick your fingers, while tzatziki sauce adds layers of refreshing flavor that make this healthy salmon recipe stand out among your healthy dinner ideas.

The tender, juicy salmon is baked to perfection and infused with a blend of spices that adds a delightful depth of taste. Paired with the fragrant Jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious juices from the fish, this meal provides a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.

The mouthwatering combination of garlic, red cashmere chili, coriander, and dill in the spice rub pairs beautifully with the creamy cucumber-based tzatziki sauce. Quickly prepared and packed with nutrients, this delicious baked salmon dinner is a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire.

Baked Salmon Dinner Ingredients

Designed to elevate your weeknight dinners with heavenly flavors of salmon fish, this is one of the best-baked salmon recipes, perfect for those seeking a delicious, nutritious, and time-saving meal. There are 3 components of this baked salmon fillet recipe which are:

Succulent Salmon Fillet – Salmon fillet is the centerpiece of this dish, providing a tender, flaky, and nutrient-rich protein source. Cooked to perfection at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, the salmon becomes a savory and satisfying main course that will impress.

Zesty Spice Rub – The star of this recipe is the flavorful spice rub, consisting of the best spices for salmon fillet, including avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, red cashmere chili, coriander, and dill. This combination of spices and herbs creates a vibrant, aromatic rub that infuses the salmon with a mouthwatering depth of flavor.

Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce – The tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing element to this salmon in the oven recipe, balancing the zesty spice rub and complementing the rich flavors of the salmon. Made with cucumber, mint, parsley, grated garlic, dill, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, this creamy sauce is a delightful accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience.

How to Make Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

To make this easy salmon dinner, combine the avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, red cashmere chili, coriander, and dill in a small bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

Pour the spice rub over the salmon fillet and spread it evenly, ensuring every inch of the flesh is covered. Let the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight to infuse it with the maximum flavor.

Cook the marinated salmon in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the salmon cooks, mix cucumber, mint, parsley, grated garlic, dill, yogurt, and lemon juice in a medium bowl to make tzatziki sauce.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the sauce and mix thoroughly.

To make the rice heat avocado oil in a cooking pan and toast for a few minutes.

Add cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf while stirring occasionally.

Season with salt and whole peppercorn to taste and add rice once the spices are fragrant and release a pleasant aroma.

Add 4 cups of water after the rice and cook on high until boils and then cover with a lid.

Simmer on low for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

Once the salmon and rice are cooked, serve the salmon fillet over fluffy Basmati rice alongside a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce for a delightful and refreshing contrast of flavors and textures.

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen salmon for this baked salmon recipe?

You can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours or until it is completely defrosted.

Remember that thawed, previously frozen salmon may cook slightly faster than fresh salmon, so monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?

To make dairy-free tzatziki sauce, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Be sure to choose an unsweetened and unflavored variety for the best results.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grilling the salmon will add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the salmon for about 6-8 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).

How to store leftovers?

To store leftover salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze the cooked salmon?

Yes, you can freeze cooked salmon. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Easy Baked Salmon Dinner Recipe

This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe is a delightful and easy-to-prepare seafood dish that combines a succulent salmon fillet with a zesty spice rub and is served alongside refreshing tzatziki sauce.

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Ingredients

For Salmon

• 1 pound salmon fillet
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp red cashmere chili
• ½ tsp coriander
• ¼ tsp dill

For Basmati Rice

• 2 cups of washed basmati rice soaked for an hour or more
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamoms
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick 1inch
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and whole peppercorn to taste

For Tzatziki Sauce

• ½ cucumber
• ½ tsp mint
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1 grated garlic
• ¼ tsp dill (fresh or fried)
• ½ cup yogurt
• Salt & Pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

To make Salmon

1. Make the spice rub for salmon by mixing avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, red cashmere chili, coriander, and dill in a small bowl.
2. Season the spice mixture with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
3. Pour the spice rub over the salmon fillet and spread it evenly, ensuring it covers every
   inch of the flesh.
4. Marinate for 15 minutes to overnight and cook for 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.

To make Tzatziki Sauce

1. Add cucumber, mint, parsley, garlic, dill, yogurt, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
2. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture and mix well.

To Make Basmati Rice

1. Heat avocado oil in a cooking pan and toast for a few minutes.
2. Add cloves, cardamom, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf while stirring occasionally.
3. Season with salt and whole peppercorn to taste and add rice once the spices are fragrant and release a pleasant aroma.
4. Add 4 cups of water after the rice and cook on high until boils and then cover with a lid.
5. Simmer on low for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

Notes

Choose High-Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets with bright, vibrant color and a firm texture. It will not only enhance the flavor of your dish but also provide you with the most health benefits.

Marination Time: Although the recipe calls for marinating the salmon for at least 15 minutes, it's recommended to marinate it for longer (up to overnight) if you have the time. It allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the salmon.

Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet, the cooking time may vary. Check the salmon's internal temperature with a cooking thermometer. A perfectly cooked fillet should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).