Tomato Baked Salmon Recipe with Scallion Sauce

This oven baked salmon recipe is a simple and healthy option for a weeknight dinner, featuring tender, flaky fish seasoned with a light, citrusy scallion sauce. It is the perfect entree when you need a satisfying and nutritious meal.

For more salmon recipes, try my Harissa Salmon Rice Bowl, Honey-Soy Sheet Pan Salmon and Yuzu Salmon next.

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I love this baked salmon recipe because it’s incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. King salmon is my go-to for this dish since the filet turns out tender and flavorful every time. The combination of lemon zest, aleppo pepper, and thyme really elevates the fish, making it a standout without requiring a ton of effort.

I also enjoy pairing it with a bright scallion sauce that adds a fresh, slightly bright finish to the dish. It’s one of those meals that feels special, but is still simple enough to make on any given night. Plus, it’s healthy and satisfying, which is always a win in my book!

Tools You’ll Need

• 11 x 8 baking dish
• Small saucepan

Salmon

• King salmon – Cut into steaks, this rich, fatty fish is packed with omega-3s, making it a flavorful and nutritious source of protein.
• Kosher salt – I prefer Diamond Crystal for its lighter, flakier texture, which allows for better control when seasoning.
• Sugar – Balance the salt in the dry brine, enhancing the natural sweetness of the salmon.

Tomatoes

• Cherry tomatoes – These small, sweet tomatoes blister nicely in the oven. They add a burst of freshness and acidity to the dish.

Scallion Sauce

• Scallions – Thinly slice to add a mild, onion-like flavor and a pop of color to the sauce.
• Quality olive oil – While the recipe calls for a generous amount, it’s loaded with heart-healthy fats that benefit your overall health. Plus, the infused oil can be reused in other dishes like drizzling over eggs.
• Garlic cloves – Microplaned for a fine texture, this ensures the garlic evenly infuses the sauce without overpowering it.
• Aleppo pepper – This adds a mild, fruity heat that complements the richness of the oven baked salmon.
• Kosher salt – Again, Diamond Crystal is used to season the sauce without being too harsh.
• Lemon – Both the zest and juice add brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the fish and oil.

For the Baking Dish

• Quality oil – Use it as the base in the baking dish to help evenly cook the salmon and infuse it with flavor.
• Kosher salt – This seasons the oil, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Thyme – Add for an earthy, aromatic note that pairs well with the lemon and garlic.
• Garlic cloves – Sliced to infuse the oil with a subtle, savory flavor as it bakes.
• Lemon – Both zest and juice are used to add a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the salmon.
• Aleppo pepper – I love to use this spice as it adds depth to the dish. Don’t worry, it’s not spicy.
• Urfa chili pepper – This adds a deeper, smoky heat that contrasts nicely with the Aleppo pepper and complements the other ingredients.

To Serve

• Jasmine rice – I like to serve this baked salmon recipe with fragrant, slightly sticky rice. It soaks up the flavorful juices from the salmon and sauce, making it the perfect side.

Why Dry-Brine Salmon?

Dry brining salmon is a technique used to enhance the flavor, texture, and moisture content of the fish. Brining, in general, involves soaking meat or fish in a solution of salt and sugar in order to improve the taste and texture.

Another great thing about dry-brining the fish is that it leaves a little more room for error when cooking. If you happen to cook the fish a minute of two longer than you wanted to, dry-brining will still result in a flaky and moist piece of fish.

Dry-brine salmon

1. Pat salmon filet dry, removing any excess moisture. In a small ramekin, combine kosher salt and sugar and stir to mix. Liberally coat the entire filet with salt and sugar mixture. Set aside for 20 minutes, then carefully rinse well with cold water and pat dry. While fish is brining, start on the tomatoes.

Tomatoes

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes and cook until blistered all over (see photo), about 5-7 minutes. Remove pan from heat and leave to continue lightly charring.

Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Season salmon all over to taste with kosher salt. Place fish in the baking dish. Top salmon with half of aleppo, urfa, and lemon zest. Add oil, lemon juice, remaining aleppo, urfa, zest. Add thyme and garlic, making sure both are submerged in oil. Add the tomatoes then season the oil generously with kosher salt (do not be afraid to use the salt generously as it will tie the flavors together.) Spoon a little oil over the tops of the salmon then transfer to the preheated oven.

3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until thickest part registers at 145°F. Baste salmon with more of the olive oil mixture at the halfway mark. Make the scallion sauce while the salmon cooks.

Scallion Sauce

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside to allow flavors to marry.

To Serve

1. Once cooked, leave salmon for 4 minutes to rest. Serve with rice, scallion sauce, and garlic oil from the baking dish. Enjoy!

How Long to Bake Salmon

Baking the salmon at 300°F takes about 30-35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filet. This longer baking time at a lower temperature ensures that the fish cooks evenly and remains juicy. I always check that the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145°F to ensure it’s fully cooked but still tender.

Storage

To store leftovers, allow the salmon to come to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the salmon soggy in the fridge. Once it’s cooled, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the salmon in the microwave or oven to avoid drying it out.

What to Serve with this Baked Salmon Recipe

If you want more than rice, consider adding one of these side dishes.

• Little Gem Wedge Salad with Miso Ranch – Crisp lettuce, tangy miso ranch dressing, bacon, and toasted garlic panko add a refreshing crunch to complement the tender salmon.
• Garlic Broccolini – Blanched and sautéed with garlic-infused olive oil, this broccolini adds a bright, slightly bitter green to the meal​.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp with Aleppo Pepper – Sweet and spicy shrimp pairs well with the rich flavors of the baked salmon.
• Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles – Quick, savory ramen noodles tossed in a sesame garlic sauce make a comforting, flavorful side.
• Kale and White Bean Salad – Tender kale, creamy cannellini beans, and a lemon vinaigrette offer a nutritious and tangy option to round out the dish​.

Looking for More Salmon Recipes?

• Yuzu Salmon Poke Bowl
• Easy Salmon Gravlax Recipe
• Gochujang Salmon with Pandan Rice
• Coconut Curry Salmon
• Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl
• Smoked Salmon Tartare

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