How to Stop Overcooking Your Salmon, According to Martha Stewart

Salmon and I have had a complicated relationship. I’ve been on the hunt for a recipe that makes salmon less intimidating, more flavorful and easy to prepare—and Martha Stewart’s slow-roasted salmon might just be the one to win me over for good!

What I love about this method is that it’s almost foolproof. The idea of slow-roasting might sound like a time-consuming process, but in reality, it only takes 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes total. Cooking the salmon at a low temperature keeps it moist, tender and evenly cooked—no more dry, overcooked fish!

If you’re like me and have been trying to appreciate salmon, this is the perfect recipe to help you do just that. You can see the result on her Instagram page (@marthastewart) and follow the link to the recipe on her website, but here's what you need to know.

Related: The Italian Way to Make Salmon 10x Better

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Why Slow-Roasting Is a Great Way to Cook Salmon

Martha’s method is all about gentle heat. Instead of blasting the salmon in a hot oven, it’s cooked low and slow, which allows the fish to retain its natural juices. This means buttery, tender salmon every time.

You don't have to worry about dried-out edges and raw centers, and there is no complicated recipe to follow. You just season, pop it in the oven and wait. The fish stays silky and tender, making it perfect for those of us trying to love salmon.

And the best part is that it is versatile. You can keep it simple or dress it up with fresh herbs, citrus or a flavorful sauce.

The slow-roasting method takes away the stress of overcooking, and the final result is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Plus, with only 10 minutes of hands-on time, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, especially in my hectic household.

Martha knows what she’s doing, and this dish is definitely going on repeat in my kitchen!

Related: The Secret Ingredient for Making Salmon That Tastes Like It Came From a Restaurant

How To Make Martha Stewart's Slow-Roasted Salmon

To make this slow-roasted salmon, start by preheating your oven to 300°. While the oven heats up, toss a few carrots in a flavorful mix of maple syrup, olive oil, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Spread that all on a baking sheet and let the carrots roast for 15 minutes.

Next, place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, directly on top of the carrots. Lightly season the fish with salt and pepper, brush it with a bit of olive oil and arrange a few orange slices on top of the fish. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Just before serving, sprinkle with your favorite fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, fluffy rice or crispy roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.

Cooking fish can feel intimidating because it’s delicate, but using this low-and-slow roasting method ensures that it turns out moist and tender every time. This technique is a game-changer, making it so easy to whip up flaky, flavorful salmon at your house.

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