Perfectly tender salmon: 12‑minute recipe with a sweet twist
Salmon is one of the most popular types of fish that can be prepared in numerous ways. From baking and frying to wrapping in puff pastry, there's something for everyone. For a quick dinner, we recommend a deliciously juicy salmon dish ready in 12 minutes.
Including salmon in your daily diet is worthwhile as it is a rich source of nutrients and can be prepared in varied ways. Regular consumption of salmon may contribute to better health and well-being.
The secret to salmon's flavour
To prepare juicy salmon, it's advisable to use a recipe involving a special marinade. The fish doesn't require many spices to taste exquisite. Joanne Gallagher, co-founder of Inspired Taste and an experienced cook, recommends a recipe for salmon with brown sugar, which significantly enhances its texture and flavour.
Baked salmon with brown sugar is a delicious and simple dinner. Our easy mixture of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and lemon zest is perfect for salmon fillets. It caramelises and turns into a sweet-smoky glaze in the oven, explains Joanne.
Brown sugar retains moisture, keeping the salmon juicy and tender during baking, preventing it from drying out. Moreover, the molasses in brown sugar creates a beautifully caramelised crust, enriching the fish's flavour with a subtle sweetness.
Baked salmon in 12 minutes - step by step recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets,
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar,
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil,
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest,
- 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika,
- 0.5 lemon (cut into quarters),
- a pinch of salt,
- olive oil.
Method of preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C with fan). Prepare a large baking tray by lining it with baking paper.
- Thoroughly dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel, then rub them with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, lemon zest, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Generously coat the salmon fillets with the sugar mixture, rubbing it well into the fish. If you have time, allow the salmon to marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Place the salmon on the baking tray, skin side down, and put it in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and serve with your favourite salad and pearl couscous or rice. If you like, add lemon wedges to squeeze juice over the salmon before serving.