One of my favourite types of fish has to be Salmon. Not too fishy, but not potentially bland like many types of white fish. I do think salmon is best served plain, with a tangy couscous and steamed veg however if this is a meal you like to have on a regular basis like me, sometimes it can get a bit dull, that’s why I decided to experiment with more powerful flavours whilst still keeping the washing up to a minimum. Spicy salmon with carrot noodles.
What is a tray bake recipe?
This recipe calls for a tray bake method, yes! Another one pan wonder! Usually, tray bakes require a baking or roasting tray and all of the ingredients are thrown in, put in the oven and left to cook. There’s a slight difference in this one as the salmon needs to be covered to stop it drying out. We do this by making a parcel out of foil to place on our baking tray. I cooked this dish in the oven but I feel it would also work really well on a BBQ or grill, I cant wait to try that out when the weather gets warmer! Don’t forget to subscribe and follow me on socials so that you never miss any of my healthy recipes for weight loss.
Do you have a diet restriction?
This recipe is great for the following diet restrictions:
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Dairy Free
- Low FODMAP
- Ultra Processed Food Free
Ultra processed food free recipes are recipes that use ingredients where no additives have been used. This will include ingredients that can be made at home to be UPF free such as stock cubes, sauces and seasonings.
Step 1: Mix the seasonings
Firstly, in a small bowl we need to mix up our spices. Originally I wanted to go for a Cajun style salmon but decided to try something new and really mix it up (hence the name spicy salmon) and it worked! Add paprika, cayenne (cayenne pepper comes in various intensities from mild to extra hot so pick wisely, I chose medium heat) cumin, garlic, pepper and salt to a bowl and mix well, place to one side ready for later.
Step 3: Prepare the carrot
Next, prepare the carrot. I used a mandolin to grate my carrot into noodles however a potato peeler or cheese grater will work really well too, you could potentially even use pre-grated carrot intended for salads or cut your carrot into very thin slices with a knife, I would have preferred to have thicker ribbons of carrot as they make the best carrot noodles in my opinion, however my mandolin doesn’t come with that setting! Once your carrot is suitably sliced, tear off an A4 sized piece of foil big enough to wrap both your salmon and carrot. Place it on a baking tray and arrange your carrot across one half of the foil like shown in the pictures, the little walls I created are not necessary at this point as long as you scrunch them up well later. Now would also be a good time to pre heat your oven to 180°C.
Step 3: Prepare the salmon
Next our salmon fillet needs to be prepared. Salmon is more often found in longer thinner, rectangular slices however for this recipe, if you can, i find the flatter cuts of salmon work best, i find these tend to get shoved to the back of the shelf behind all the prettier more aesthetically pleasing cuts of salmon, so don’t forget to check! Place your fillet on a plate, skin side down and lightly pat the salmon dry. Having a less slippery surface will help our spicy salmon mix to stay on. Now you can start to pour the mix of spices onto the salmon fully coating all sides creating a light crust.
Step 4: Bake your tray bake
Pop your salmon on top of your grated carrot noodles and close up the parcel making sure you’ve scrunched up the sides to seal the foil well, this will keep the salmon from drying out. Place your parcel in the pre heated oven for 20-2 minutes. When serving take care not to burn yourself on any steam in the foil packet and ensure salmon is cooked through before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! Experiment with different types of fish, such as cod, tilapia, or trout. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Can I spiralize the carrots for noodle-like strands?
Certainly! If you have a spiralizer, spiralize the carrots for a more noodle-like texture. This adds a fun and visually appealing element to the dish.
What sides pair well with this tray bake?
Serve this spicy salmon and carrot noodle tray bake over a bed of cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, you can grill the foil packet on a preheated grill for a smoky flavor. Ensure the foil is well-sealed to trap the steam and cook the salmon thoroughly.
Can I marinate the salmon in the spice mix ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinating the salmon in the spice mix for an hour or longer allows the flavours to penetrate the fish for a more intense taste. Adjust the quantity of spices based on your preference.
Now that you’ve made spicy salmon with carrot noodles check out my latest recipes:
- Gluten Free Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Green Goddess Salad With Avocado
- Healthy Tuscan Chicken
- Why Is It Important To Drink Water? – The Importance Of Hydration
- Healthy Vegan Lentil Dhal
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Spicy Salmon And Carrot Tray Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°c
- Grate carrot into noodle like strands.
- Mix up paprika, cayenne, cumin, garlic, pepper and salt.
- Pat the salmon fillet dry and coat well in the spice mix.
- Get a piece of foil large enough to wrap the salmon and carrot and place the carrot on one half followed by the salmon on top.
- Use the rest of the foil to cover the salmon making a little foil packet.
- Cook the salmon and carrot for 20-25 minutes until the salmon is thoroughly cooked.
