Baked Salmon and Dill Rice

A harmonious blend of tender baked salmon and aromatic dill-infused rice, this recipe balances simplicity with flavor, enhanced by a zesty mayonnaise paste. Adjustments from readers elevate the dish further, ensuring it suits diverse tastes.

Time & Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes (includes prep and baking)

• Servings: 4 (easily adaptable for 6 with reader tips)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1½ cups white basmati rice, rinsed (to remove excess starch) and drained

• Kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal) and freshly ground black pepper

• 4 ounces fresh dill, tough stems removed, finely chopped (about 1 cup) OR ⅓ cup dried dill (plus extra for garnish)

• 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated

• 1 large lemon, zested (about 1 teaspoon zest) and juiced (optional, for final squeeze)

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes (plus extra for garnish)

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (1 inch thick at thickest part), skin-on or skin-off (preferably pin-boned)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Rice Base

• Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 400°F (200°C).

• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 2¾ cups water (or chicken broth, per reader tip) to a rolling boil.

• In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan, evenly spread olive oil. Add rinsed/drained rice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup fresh dill (or ⅓ cup dried). Stir to combine, then spread the mixture evenly in the pan.

• Pour the boiling water over the rice mixture, stir gently, then tightly cover with foil (ensuring no steam escapes).

Step 2: Bake Rice for Initial Phase

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until most water is absorbed and rice begins to soften, 12–15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Salmon Paste & Season Fillets

• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together grated garlic, lemon zest, mayonnaise, honey, turmeric, and red-pepper flakes to form a smooth paste.

• Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt (≈1½ teaspoons total) and black pepper.

• Spread the mayonnaise-honey paste evenly over the flesh side of each salmon fillet.

Step 4: Combine Salmon with Rice & Final Bake

• Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven and lift the foil (use oven mitts to avoid burns). Gently arrange the salmon fillets on top of the rice, paste-side up, ensuring even spacing.

• Reseal the foil tightly and return to the oven. Bake until rice is fluffy and salmon flakes easily, 15–20 minutes. For safety, ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Remove from oven, uncover, and garnish with additional fresh dill and red-pepper flakes. Optionally, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the dish (if zest was not squeezed) to brighten flavor.

Reader Tips & Variations

• Flavor Boosts:

• Substitute water with chicken or vegetable broth for richer rice (original comment).

• Add ½ cup frozen peas to the rice during the initial 12–15 minute bake for texture and color.

• Double the mayonnaise paste (add 1 extra tbsp mayo/honey) and coat both sides of salmon for intensified flavor.

• Alternative paste: Replace mayo with 1 tbsp Greek yogurt + 1 tsp lemon juice for a tangier base.

• Cooking Enhancements:

• Use a covered casserole dish (e.g., CorningWare) instead of foil for better heat retention (original comment).

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon/rice during the final 5 minutes of baking for brightness.

• Elegant Twists:

• Add saffron: Bloom ¼ tsp saffron in 2 tbsp warm water for 5 minutes, then add to boiling rice water or spread over salmon.

• Family-Friendly:

• Add 12 oz raw shrimp (peeled/deveined) to the rice after removing foil in Step 4; bake 5–7 minutes longer (serves 6).

Pro Tips

• Rice Texture: Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier results.

• Salmon Doneness: If cooking time exceeds 20 minutes, check for flakiness with a fork; underdone salmon may need 2–3 extra minutes.

This recipe balances simplicity with adaptability, ensuring success for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.