Mary Berry uses 1 ingredient to keep salmon fillets moist and juicy

This simple recipe keeps salmon moist and juicy while cooking

Salmon makes for a stunning centrepiece at the dinner table, owing to its wonderfully rich and distinctive flavour. It complements a wide range of accompaniments, from rice and noodles through to new potatoes.

Throughout her illustrious career, Mary Berry has shared a wealth of salmon recipes, including this straightforward dish finished with a velvety cream sauce.

The recipe notes on BBC Food stated: “Mary Berry elevates simple salmon fillets by adding a topping of herby cream cheese and roasted red peppers. Serve with new potatoes and salad leaves or steamed greens.”

The recipe serves six and can be prepared up to 12 hours in advance if covered and refrigerated.

Mary Berry’s cream cheese salmon recipe

Ingredients:

• 280g full-fat cream cheese
• 30g finely grated Parmesan cheese
• One garlic clove, crushed
• Two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives
• Six 125g salmon fillets, skinned
• One lemon, juice and zest
• One small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 150g roasted red peppers from a jar, drained and very thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Combine the cream cheese in a bowl with the Parmesan, garlic, chives and seasoning, then mix thoroughly.

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper before spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly over each fillet.

Cream cheese plays a vital role in keeping salmon moist during baking, forming a rich, protective layer that seals in the natural juices.

Its high fat content helps the fish retain moisture while lending a smooth, tangy depth of flavour to every mouthful.

Combine the lemon zest and parsley, then scatter the mixture over each fillet, pressing down gently.

Arrange the fillets close together on the prepared baking tray and lay the peppers across the top in an attractive pattern.

Positioning the salmon fillets close together on the baking tray also helps prevent them from drying out during cooking.

Roast in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked. Squeeze over the lemon juice and serve hot with new potatoes and dressed salad leaves.