I used to think salmon was just another fish—good, but nothing special. That was until I made it this way: broiled to perfection with that lightly crisped top, locking in all the juices, and topped with a creamy basil aioli that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
his recipe changed how I see salmon forever. It’s quick, full of good-for-you fats, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for guests. Let’s get cooking!
Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Crispier top? Leave the salmon under the broiler for an extra minute, but keep an eye on it!
- No fresh basil? Swap it for parsley or chives.
- Dairy-free version? Use avocado mayo instead of regular.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or grilled zucchini. If you’re in the mood for a fresh side, try a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
Perfectly Broiled Salmon with Basil Aioli
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple, flavorful gluten-free salmon recipe with a crispy top and creamy basil aioli.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Basil Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Preheat the broiler to high and adjust the oven rack so it’s about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps get that perfect crisp on top.
- Season generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Rub everything in so the fillets are well coated.
Step 2: Broil to Perfection
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Broil for 7–9 minutes, depending on the thickness. You want a golden crust on top, but the inside should still be moist and flaky.
Step 3: Make the Basil Aioli
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, basil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
- Let it sit for a few minutes while the salmon finishes cooking. The flavors will blend beautifully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes.
- Spoon a generous dollop of basil aioli on each fillet.
- Serve with roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, or your favorite gluten-free side.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the aioli sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
