Description
Succulent baked salmon nestles atop creamy avocado mash, creating a luxurious seafood experience that blends coastal California freshness with gourmet elegance. Delicate fish and smooth green goodness promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each perfectly balanced bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Avocado Mash Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking and easy cleanup.
- Meticulously dry the salmon fillets using paper towels, ensuring a crisp exterior when baked.
- Enhance the salmon’s flavor profile by gently drizzling olive oil and fresh lemon juice across the surface.
- Create a vibrant spice blend combining garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of honey for a complex taste experience.
- Massage the spice mixture thoroughly into the salmon fillets, guaranteeing even coverage and deep flavor penetration.
- Transfer the seasoned fillets to the prepared baking sheet, positioning them to allow uniform heat distribution.
- Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the fish becomes delicately flaky and reaches perfect doneness.
- While the salmon cooks, transform ripe avocados into a creamy mash using a fork or potato masher.
- Elevate the avocado mash by incorporating lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Thoroughly blend the avocado mixture until smooth and well-integrated.
- Plate the golden-baked salmon and generously crown with the herbed avocado mash.
- Optional: Embellish the dish with additional fresh herbs and bright lemon wedges for a final touch of elegance and zest.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and black pepper for those who prefer milder or bolder flavors.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the sweet undertone.
- Check salmon’s doneness by gently flaking with a fork – it should separate easily and look opaque throughout.
- Store leftover avocado mash with plastic wrap directly touching its surface to prevent browning and oxidation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg