Salmon with orange juice in the oven

Salmon with Orange Juice Baked

Introduction

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today I will present to you a delicious and refined recipe for salmon with orange juice baked, a perfect choice for a special dinner or a weekend meal. This simple and quick recipe combines the delicacy of salmon with the natural sweetness of orange, creating a dish that will delight everyone who tastes it. Salmon is a fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it not only tasty but also beneficial for health. Moreover, it is a recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences, so let’s get started!

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 20 minutes for marinating)
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 2

Ingredients

For marinade:
- 2-3 pieces of salmon (approximately 200-250g each)
- 1 large orange or 2 small ones (for juice and decoration)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Mushrooms (optional, but recommended – 200g)
- Spices:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rosemary (fresh or dried)
- Bay leaves (dried)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh parsley or coriander, coarsely chopped

Necessary Utensils
- A clay dish (ideal for this recipe)
- A baking tray
- A bowl for marinating
- A knife and a cutting board

Step by Step

Step 1: Marinating the Salmon
1. In a bowl, add the salmon and sprinkle salt, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, and nutmeg on both sides of the fish. Make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Crush the garlic cloves and add them whole over the salmon.
3. Squeeze the juice from the orange (or oranges) over the salmon, ensuring that the fish is well covered. The infusion of orange juice will add a unique note of sweetness and a fresh aroma.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to infuse into the salmon.

Step 2: Preparing the Cooking Dish
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. In the clay dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. If your fish is very lean, the oil can be reduced, but it is important to maintain moisture and add flavor.
3. Place the marinated salmon in the center of the dish, and around it, add the whole mushrooms. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the orange juice and provide a pleasant texture.

Step 3: Baking
1. Add the remaining marinade, as well as a few slices of orange on top of the salmon and mushrooms for a decorative look and extra aroma.
2. If you like, you can also add a few peppercorns for an extra flavor boost.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes of baking, then remove the foil and leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes until the salmon is cooked but remains juicy.

Step 4: Serving
1. Once the salmon is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute in the fish.
2. Serve the salmon with a side of baked potatoes and a spinach puree with cream. This combination will perfectly complement the sweet flavor of the fish.

Personal Tip
If you want to add an element of surprise, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the salmon before serving. This will not only add a special flavor but also a crunchy texture.

Possible Variations
- Instead of salmon, you can use other types of fish, such as trout or sea bream, which will yield equally delicious results.
- Experiment with other citrus fruits, such as lemon or grapefruit, for a different flavor.
- You can add seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots, which can be baked together with the salmon.

Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is an excellent source of protein, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain heart and brain health. Additionally, oranges provide a significant amount of vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, frozen salmon is a good choice, but make sure to thaw it properly before marinating.

- What side dishes go best?
Baked potatoes are an excellent option, but you can also try a fresh green salad or rice with vegetables.

- How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 63°C is ideal to ensure proper cooking.

Conclusion
This recipe for salmon with orange juice baked is not only simple but also full of flavors, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home. The citrus flavors and the delicacy of the salmon transform this dish into an excellent choice for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, as cooking is essentially an art form! Enjoy your meal!