---
title: "Homemade Baked Salmon with Merkén Recipe: Omega-3 Rich & Gluten-Free"
description: "A simple and delicious Chilean baked salmon recipe, best prepared with a fresh salmon fillet or high-quality frozen salmon, perfect for enjoying on any occasion."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-baked-salmon-recipe/
date: 2023-11-07
modified: 2026-01-27
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chilean-Homemade-Baked-Salmon-Recipe.jpg
categories: ["Main Dishes"]
tags: ["Main Dishes"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Homemade Baked Salmon with Merkén Recipe: Omega-3 Rich & Gluten-Free

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-salmon-al-horno/)

![A large fillet of Chilean baked salmon, golden and juicy, seasoned with merkén and served on a rustic wooden board.](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chilean-Homemade-Baked-Salmon-Recipe.jpg)

A simple and delicious Chilean baked salmon recipe, best prepared with a fresh salmon fillet or high-quality frozen salmon, perfect for enjoying on any occasion.

## Nutrition Facts

Each serving of baked salmon contains approximately 350 kcal, 33 g of protein, 23 g of total fat (4 g of saturated fat), 80 mg of cholesterol, 0 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of sugars, and 60 mg of sodium. (*)

## How to Make Baked Salmon

This baked salmon recipe can be considered a basic one, and you can optionally enhance it by adding some slices of tomato, lemon, capers, fresh thyme, or parsley.

**Prep Time:** 30 minutes

**Cook Time:** 30 minutes

**Servings:** 4 people

### Ingredients

- 600 g of salmon fillet
- 50 ml of white wine
- 30 ml of lemon juice
- 30 g of [artisan butter](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-artisan-butter-recipe-quick-natural-and-delicious/)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- [Chilean Merkén](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-mapuche-merken-spicy-recipe/)
- Sea salt
- Pepper

### Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) for at least 10 minutes. Line an ovenproof dish or baking pan with aluminum foil, lightly grease the bottom with a little olive oil, and place the salmon skin-side down. Brush the top of the fillet with olive oil.

![Two fresh, bright pink salmon fillets with the skin on, showing the high-quality marbling of Chilean fish.](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fresh-salmon-300x195.jpg)

1. Season the surface of the salmon with sea salt, pepper, and merkén to taste. Drizzle white wine and lemon juice, distribute small pieces of butter over the top, and cover everything with aluminum foil, sealing the edges.

![Small cubes of creamy artisan butter ready to be placed on top of the salmon for a rich finish.](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Artisan-Milk-Butter-300x197.jpg)

1. Place the salmon dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Check with a fork to ensure it is cooked, gently separating the meat. Serve the baked salmon alone, sprinkle it with chopped parsley and chives, add some capers, and optionally serve it with mashed potatoes or asparagus salad.

## Tips for Baking Salmon

- If you use frozen salmon fillets, transfer them to the regular refrigerator at least 24 hours in advance for a slow thaw, and then discard any excess liquid.
- Ensure the salmon is adequately cooked before removing it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### 1. How do I know the salmon is perfectly cooked without a thermometer?

The “Fork Test” is the most reliable method. Gently press a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; if the flakes separate easily and the center has transitioned from translucent to a matte opaque pink, it has reached the ideal temperature.

### 2. Why should I leave the skin on?

Even if you don’t eat it, the skin acts as a thermal barrier. It protects the delicate meat from direct heat contact with the pan and contains a layer of fat that renders during cooking, basting the fish from underneath.

### 3. What if I only have frozen salmon?

Thawing in the refrigerator for 24 hours prevents “purge”—the loss of cellular moisture that happens during rapid thawing. Pat the fillet completely dry before seasoning to ensure the flavors adhere correctly.

### 4. Can I skip the butter?

Technically, yes, but you will lose the emulsification that binds the wine and lemon juice. You can substitute it with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to maintain the lipid profile while keeping the dish “heart-healthy.”

## Benefits of Consuming Chilean salmon

- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for the human body, aiding in sleep regulation, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation.
- It contains vitamins and minerals like potassium, selenium, and vitamin B12, contributing to brain health and potentially helping prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

## Did You Know?

Chile is the world’s leading exporter of Coho salmon and the second-largest producer of Atlantic salmon globally. It is also a major producer of rainbow trout.

## Recommended

- [Beef tongue sandwich](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-beef-tongue-sandwich-recipe/)
- [Shrimp in pil pil sauce](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/shrimp-in-pil-pil-sauce-recipe/)
- [Chilean corn pie recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-corn-pie-recipe/)
- [Catutos or multrunes](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/catutos-or-multrunes-traditional-mapuche-recipe/)