Slow-Roasted Salmon with Tarragon and Citrus

ACTIVE: 30 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 30 MIN
SERVINGS: 6

Top Chef Masters winner Floyd Cardoz reveals his secrets to slow-roasting salmon to keep it moist and the flavor mild. Here, Cardoz flavors the rich fish with Provençal flavors like garlic, shallots, citrus, ...

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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
3 medium shallots, minced
2 tablespoons fennel seeds, coarsely ground in a spice grinder
Finely grated zest of 3 lemons, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange
2 tablespoons chopped tarragon
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
Extra-virgin olive oil, for the baking dish
One 2 1/2-pound whole fillet of skinned salmon
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

In a bowl, combine the melted butter with the garlic, shallots, ground fennel seeds, lemon zest, orange zest, tarragon, black pepper and thyme.
Preheat the oven to 300°. Brush a large glass or ceramic baking dish with olive oil. Lightly season the salmon fillet with kosher salt. Spread half of the seasoning mixture on the skinned side of the fish. Place the salmon skinned side down in the baking dish and fold the thin tail end under itself to make the fillet an even thickness. Stir the cayenne pepper into the remaining seasoning mixture and spread it over the salmon. Let the salmon stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Carefully pour the orange juice into the baking dish and cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the salmon for about 35 minutes, until it is barely opaque in the center.
Sprinkle the salmon with the lemon juice and sea salt and serve.

Make Ahead

The seasoning mixture can be refrigerated overnight.

Suggested Pairing

Herb-scented, citrusy Pinot Gris.