Salmon is a team player. While it bakes, you can toss in a few lemon slices, sprigs of dill, or a smashed garlic clove on the pan—these aromatics perfume the fish without overwhelming it. Or go Mediterranean: brush the fillets with mustard and honey before baking for a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
For a modern twist, try a miso-maple glaze: mix two tablespoons white miso paste, one tablespoon maple syrup, and a splash of rice vinegar. Spread it on the fillets after they’ve baked for 8 minutes, then finish. It’s umami-forward, a little sweet, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Cultural Reference: In Puerto Rico, they might season salmon with adobo and a squeeze of sour orange. In the Pacific Northwest, a simple cedar plank on the grill is the tradition. Your oven just happens to be the new-world shortcut.
