Marry This Pioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon Recipe is a flaky and moist recipe, which is made with salmon filets and sweet paprika. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon Recipe Ingredients
- 3–4 medium-sized salmon filets
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), optional garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon
- Prepare the salmon: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon filets on the paper, skin-side down. Brush the tops of the salmon lightly with olive oil.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the filets.
- Place in a cold oven: Place the baking sheet with the seasoned salmon into a completely cold oven. Do not preheat it.
- Set temperature and time: Close the oven door, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and set a timer for 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness and serve: After 20 minutes, check the salmon. It is done when it flakes easily with a fork. For the most accurate result, the internal temperature in the thickest part should be around 145°F (63°C). Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of herbs, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How do I ensure the salmon cooks evenly? The key is to choose salmon fillets that are a similar, even thickness. This helps all the pieces cook at the same rate and finish at the same time.
- Why start the salmon in a cold oven? This is the secret to this foolproof method. Placing the salmon in a cold oven and letting it heat up gradually cooks the fish more gently and evenly. This technique helps prevent the outside from overcooking before the inside is done, resulting in a perfectly moist and flaky texture.
- How do I keep my salmon from being dry? Don’t overcook it. The 20-minute timer is a great guideline, but the most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is to use a food thermometer. Pull the salmon from the oven as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- What’s the purpose of the olive oil? Brushing the salmon with olive oil before baking helps to lock in moisture, adds a little bit of rich flavor, and helps the seasonings adhere to the fish.
What To Serve With Cold Oven Salmon
This simple, elegant salmon is a versatile main course. It pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans
- A simple rice pilaf or quinoa
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted new potatoes
How To Store Cold Oven Salmon
Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Leftover salmon is also delicious served cold, flaked over a salad.
Cold Oven Salmon Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 213 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I really put the fish in a completely cold oven?
Yes, that is the entire technique for this recipe. Do not preheat the oven. The gentle, gradual increase in heat is what makes this method so effective for cooking salmon perfectly.
Can I use a different kind of fish for this method?
This method works best for fatty fish like salmon. You could also try it with other similar fish like arctic char or steelhead trout.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely. Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a sprinkle of dried dill along with the paprika, salt, and pepper.
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Salmon Cakes Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Rum Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes213
kcalA foolproof method for perfectly moist and flaky salmon, seasoned simply and cooked by starting it in a cold oven.
Ingredients
3-4 medium-sized salmon filets
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper
Optional: Lemon wedges, fresh dill or parsley
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon filets on top.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet into a cold oven.
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and set a timer for 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness; the salmon should flake easily and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Starting the salmon in a cold oven is the key to this recipe’s success.
- Use salmon fillets of a similar thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- A food thermometer is the most reliable way to check for perfect doneness.
- This method results in incredibly moist and tender salmon every time.
