Chef John's Salmon

Step 1

Season salmon fillets with kosher salt. Line a baking baking sheet with foil and brush lightly with vegetable oil.

Step 2

Preheat oven's broiler on high and set the oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source.

Step 3

Process garlic, tarragon, and parsley in a blender or mortar and pestle to form a loose paste.

Step 4

Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper into garlic paste until combined.

Step 5

Place salmon fillets skin side down on the baking sheet. Spoon herb spread over the top and sides of each fillet.

Step 6

Cook under the preheated broiler until fillets are well-browned, about 5 minutes. Turn the broiler off and turn the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 7

Bake until the internal temperature of the salmon is 130 degrees F (55 degrees C) and salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes.