Cheesy Baked Salmon - Красная Рыба Под Сырной Шубой

A whole salmon fillet baked in the oven under a melted and golden cheese crust, with a layer of ultra thin slices of onion in  between the fish and the cheese. Stunning presentation, comforting flavors - this is a very popular main course in the Russian community. 

Something magical happens when you top food with mayonnaise and cheese and then bake it. It forms this amazingly crisp but still creamy crust. If you've got any Slavic blood in you, you're very familiar with this combination.

I am a huge fan of seafood and it's a very common dish on our dinner table. This is a winner on many counts - it comes together relatively quickly, looks impressive and is absolutely, lip smackingly delicious.

As you take a bite of the juicy, flaky salmon with the tender onions and creamy and crisp crust, don't be surprised if you find yourself closing your eyes with pleasure. Seriously delicious. Add a layer of sweet and juicy tomatoes and a smattering of fresh herbs to elevate the salmon to an even higher level of perfection. 

Preparing the Salmon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.

What Fish Is Best To Use For This Recipe?

It's best to use one whole side of salmon. However, if your grocery store doesn't have a whole fillet, get two smaller pieces and put them together. Since we are topping the fish with onions, it will need enough time for the onions to cook through and become tender. Try to choose a thicker fillet, if possible. All of this is to make sure that the salmon will be juicy on the inside and still have a golden crust.

Season with salt and pepper. Season liberally, since the fish is very thick and the salt need to penetrate all the way through to the center. 

Layer the thinly sliced onion on top of the fish, so they cover the surface of the fish completely.

Tomato and Herb Flavor Variation For the Cheesy Baked Salmon

You can also thinly slice or chop some tomatoes and place them on top of the onions and sprinkle with some fresh herbs. Now that would be delicious too. If you don't like onions, feel free to omit them.

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic. The mixture should be thin enough to easily spread over the onions. Cover the surface of the onions with the creamy mayo mixture and spread it out evenly.

Top with the finely grated cheese.

Baking the Salmon

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes,then  broil for  2-5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.

 

When you line the baking sheet with aluminum foil, it makes it so much easier to transfer the salmon onto your serving platter. Can you see how juicy and moist the fish is on the inside? Let me tell you, this dinner is AMAZING.

Prepping the Cheesy Baked Salmon in Advance

You can prep the salmon fillet completely in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake it, bring the fish to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and bake per above instructions.

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