Name: Smoked Salmon in the Oven
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 salmon fillet (about 2 pounds); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid smoke; Optional: Capers and lemon slices

No grill mastery required here. Make this smoked salmon in the oven with a few ingredients and minimal prep time for sophisticated hors d'oeuvres or meals.

Ingredients

1 salmon fillet (about 2 pounds)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 to 2 tablespoons liquid smoke

Optional: Capers and lemon slices

Instructions

1 Marinate your salmon

2 Place the salmon skin side down in an 11x7-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with brown sugar, salt and pepper. Drizzle with the liquid smoke. Cover and refrigerate the salmon for four to eight hours.

3 Cook and cool your salmon

4 Drain the salmon and discard the liquid. Bake uncovered at 350°F until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 35 to 45 minutes. Cool the salmon to room temperature and then cover and refrigerate it for 8 to 12 hours. If desired, serve your smoked salmon with capers and lemon slices. Editor's Tip: Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches 145° on the inside.