The 20-minute salmon dinner UK home cooks should know by heart
Salmon traybake is the answer to "what's for dinner" on every Tuesday in Britain. One tray. 20 minutes. Minimal washing up. Restaurant-grade flavour if you season it properly. This recipe uses Costack Lemon Pepper Seasoning, a bright citrus-forward rub made with real lemon zest and cracked black pepper. The lemon hits the salmon fat and the pepper crusts the surface. Done.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150g each, skin on)
- 2 tbsp Costack Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- 200g cherry tomatoes on the vine
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed (skin on)
- Fresh dill or parsley to finish
- Sea salt flakes
Method (20 minutes total)
- Heat oven to 200C.
- Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper. Place skin-down on the tray.
- Toss asparagus, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and lemon slices with 2 tbsp olive oil. Arrange around the salmon.
- Brush the salmon tops with the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp Costack Lemon Pepper Seasoning generously over the salmon and the vegetables.
- Roast at 200C for 14 minutes for medium salmon, 12 minutes for slightly pink in the middle.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and sea salt flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or steamed new potatoes.
Pro tips
1. Dry the salmon before seasoning
Wet salmon doesn't crust. Pat thoroughly with kitchen paper.
2. Don't crowd the tray
Vegetables need space to char. Use the biggest tray you own.
3. Check at 12 minutes
Salmon goes from medium to overcooked in 90 seconds. Check early. The flesh should flake but still look slightly translucent in the centre.
4. Save the pan juices
The roasted juices at the bottom of the tray are pure gold. Drizzle them over the salmon when plating.
Variations
- Tenderstem broccoli + sweetcorn: swap asparagus for tenderstem broccoli and a tin of drained sweetcorn.
- Salmon + cod traybake: add 2 cod fillets to the same tray. Cod cooks in 12-14 minutes also.
- Mediterranean: add olives, red onion, and bell peppers. Use Costack Fish & Seafood Seasoning instead of Lemon Pepper.
- Spicy version: add 1/2 tsp Costack Hot Smoky Chilli Powder over the salmon before roasting.
What to serve with salmon traybake
- Steamed new potatoes: Jersey Royals if in season
- Crusty sourdough: to mop up the pan juices
- Green salad: rocket, watercress, lemon dressing
- Wild rice: nutty, holds up to the strong fish flavour
FAQs
How long do I cook salmon at 200C?
12-14 minutes for 150g fillets. Salmon is ready when it flakes with a fork but still looks slightly translucent in the centre.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw fully in the fridge overnight. Pat dry before seasoning. Adds 2-3 minutes to roasting time.
What other Costack blends work for salmon?
Three options for different moods. Lemon Pepper for bright citrus traybakes. Fish & Seafood Seasoning for richer smoky-citrus profile. Smoky Peanut BBQ Rub for a Nigerian-style grilled salmon.
Where do I buy Costack Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
Online at www.costack.uk. £8.50 per jar. Free UK delivery on orders over £35. 2-3 working days from Manchester to London, Edinburgh, Bristol, and every UK postcode.
Build your seafood spice rack
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning - citrus-forward, salmon and chicken
- Fish & Seafood Seasoning - smoky-citrus, all fish and prawns
- Seafood Stock Powder - umami base for risotto, fish pie, gumbo
Or grab the Ocean Edge Seafood Collection at £36.98, all three plus the Costack Flavour Bible ebook. Free UK delivery on orders over £35.
