How to make tasty Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon

Name: Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 600 g fresh salmon fillets, skin on (150g / 5 oz. each ); 1 bunch fresh dill; 1 bunch fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic; 1 Tbsp capers; 2 Tbsp butter (very soft); sea salt and black pepper; to serve:; lemon slices; 800 g potatoes (cubed); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano

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When it comes to dinner, I am always after simple, tasty recipes that are low on stress but big on flavour. Today’s recipe, Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon delivers on all of these, and as a bonus, it’s super healthy too.

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Dinner in a flash

I’m usually up bright and early during the work week. After a long day I’m often feeling more enthusiastic about the idea of putting my feet up with a glass of wine and a book, than I am about spending hours in the kitchen (you know the feeling, right?)

Herbs and garlic for Garlic Herb Roast Salmon

When you’re exhausted, it’s always wise to have a few recipes up your sleeve that take very little in the way of preparation, but look and taste good enough to serve at a fancy dinner party. Salmon is a great contender here, as it cooks super quickly, so you can spend less time cooking and more time relaxing.

This recipe couldn’t be simpler. All you need to do is get the oven nice and hot, chop up some fragrant herbs and garlic and stir them through some softened butter, and then spread it over some fresh salmon fillets. Less than 15 minutes in the oven and dinner is served!

Is it better to roast or fry salmon?

I am all about cooking fish in the oven. Firstly, this method keeps the fish nice and moist and deliciously flaky. Secondly, no smell of fried fish lingering in the air for days. Win-win.

Roasting salmon is so quick and easy. The quick cooking time means the fish stays deliciously moist and flaky. Yum!

Potatoes to roast for Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon

What should I serve with Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon?

Depending on time and how much energy I have, I like to serve salmon with roast potatoes and some sort of greens. Asparagus when it is in season, but beans or even a green salad are all perfectly good. If timing is tight and you don’t fancy dealing with potatoes, a good quality loaf of bread will be just as good.

Salmon fillets on a baking tray for garlic and herb roast salmon.

Try to source the freshest salmon you can, with the skin on. The oily skin helps keep the salmon juicy and delicious.

Scale up or down as needed

The great thing about a meal like this, is that you can scale up and down depending on how many mouths there are to feed. You want around 150g / 5 oz. of salmon per person for a lighter meal. For a dinner party or special occasion, a whole side of salmon is an absolute showstopper.

more quick and easy dinner ideas

Why not try my recipe for Salsa Verde Pork Tenderloin? Or how about Honey Ginger Chicken Stir Fry? Yum!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon in advance?

You can make the garlic herb butter up to a week in advance. That means it is ready to go when you want to cook the salmon – trust me, it’s super fast!

Can I use different herbs to make Garlic and Herb Roast Salmon?

Of course! Use what you have! You could send this salmon on a trip to Asia by using coriander / cilantro and a bit of ginger and chilli for example.

Can I eat salmon skin?

Salmon skin is perfectly edible, so it’s down to personal preference. I find fish skin tastiest when it has been fried.

How do I know the salmon is cooked?

Testing the salmon by gently flaking a piece (yours) with a fork is a great indicator, the flesh should easily flake away from the skin. Cooked salmon will change from darker orange to a pale orange-pink when cooked. If you fancy using a thermometer, salmon is cooked through at 62°C / 145°F, though take it out of the oven just before this as it will continue cooking as it cools.