Ingredients
Herb Rice
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups Basmati rice, rinsed
- ½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 medium lemon (about 2 tsp lemon zest and ½ lemon juiced)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 3 cups hot water
Salmon and Sauce
- 2 to 2½ lbs salmon fillet, skin on or off
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
Toppings and Garnish
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds, preferably toasted
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Rice: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly in a 9×13 baking dish. Add the rinsed basmati rice, chopped dill, parsley, cilantro, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt into the dish. Pour 3 cups of hot water over the mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels on all sides to ensure a good sear and even cooking. Place the salmon fillet carefully atop the rice and herb mixture in the baking dish.
- Make the Garlic-Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup finely chopped parsley, grated garlic, honey, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until fully combined. Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the salmon fillet, coating it well.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the rice is tender, fluffy, and the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, scatter toasted sliced almonds evenly over the salmon and rice. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the baked salmon and herbed rice immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for added brightness and acidity. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
- You can toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- For best results, ensure the salmon is dry before adding the sauce to allow better absorption of flavors.
- Adjust baking time if using thicker or thinner salmon fillets to avoid over- or under-cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American