Description
Baked Salmon with Rhubarb is a fresh, flavorful oven-baked seafood recipe that pairs tender salmon fillets with tangy rhubarb, shallots, garlic, lemon, and herbs. The result is a balanced sweet-tart and savory dish that feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each): the rich, flaky base of the dish
- 2 cups rhubarb, sliced into 1-inch pieces: adds bright tartness and a soft roasted texture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: helps roast the rhubarb and keeps the salmon moist
- 2 tablespoons honey: balances the rhubarb with gentle sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: adds savory depth and aroma
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced: brings mild sweetness and complexity
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: brightens the overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: adds fresh citrus fragrance
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: gives the dish an earthy herbal note
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: adds freshness for garnish
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: enhances the natural flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: adds mild heat and balance
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a medium baking dish.
- Place the sliced rhubarb, shallot, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, honey, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in the baking dish. Toss well to combine and spread into an even layer.
- Set the salmon fillets on top of the rhubarb mixture. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the salmon, then season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the lemon zest.
- Scatter the fresh thyme around and over the salmon for extra aroma while baking.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- If needed, stir the rhubarb gently around the salmon halfway through cooking so it softens and caramelizes evenly without burning.
- For a slightly deeper color on top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cut the rhubarb into even pieces so it cooks at the same rate.
- Do not overbake the salmon or it may turn dry; start checking at 12 minutes.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a slightly deeper sweetness.
- Dill can be swapped for thyme for a different herb profile.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables to soak up the pan juices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with rhubarb mixture
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg