Mary Berry Salmon and Fennel Recipe

Name: Mary Berry Salmon and Fennel Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 medium fennel bulbs, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 100ml dry white wine or stock; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; Salt and black pepper; Extra dill, to serve; Lemon wedges, to serve

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This Mary Berry Salmon and Fennel recipe is a light yet comforting dish that brings together tender flakes of salmon with the gentle sweetness of softened fennel. The fish bakes to buttery perfection while lemon and herbs add freshness and balance. It is an easy, reliable supper that feels elegant enough for guests. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, it is ready in around 35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets, skin on
2 medium fennel bulbs, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 small onion, finely sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
100ml dry white wine or vegetable stock
1 lemon, finely grated zest and juice
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

Extra fresh dill sprigs
Lemon wedges, to serve

How to Make Mary Berry Salmon and Fennel Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the salmon cooks evenly and the top lightly colours.
Soften the fennel: In a large ovenproof frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced fennel and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add flavour: Stir in the lemon zest and pour in the white wine or stock. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Arrange the salmon: Nestle the salmon fillets on top of the fennel mixture, skin side down. Season lightly and sprinkle with chopped dill.
Bake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is just cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
Finish and serve: Squeeze over fresh lemon juice and scatter with extra dill before serving straight from the pan.

Tips

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should flake easily when gently pressed with a fork and appear opaque throughout. Avoid overbaking, as it can quickly become dry.

Can I slice the fennel in advance?

Yes, slice the fennel up to a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes preparation even quicker.

What can I use instead of dill?

Fresh parsley or tarragon work beautifully if dill is unavailable. Both complement the sweetness of fennel.

Can I make this dish dairy free?

This recipe is naturally dairy free as written, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Buttered new potatoes
Steamed green beans or asparagus
Lightly dressed rocket salad
Warm crusty bread to soak up the juices

Storage

Room Temperature

Serve immediately after cooking. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour.

Refrigerator

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to prevent drying out.

Freezing

Salmon can be frozen once cooked, though the texture may soften slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 220mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, but thaw them fully in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

Do I need to remove the fennel core?

If the fennel bulbs are young and tender, the core can stay. For larger bulbs, trim the tougher base before slicing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can soften the fennel mixture earlier in the day. Add the salmon and bake just before serving for best texture.

What wine pairs well with this recipe?

A crisp dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the delicate flavours beautifully.