Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Roasted Carrots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Oven-braised salmon infused with bright citrus and aromatic fennel, paired with sweet roasted carrots for a vibrant Whole30 seafood dish. This whole30-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 4 peeled and cut carrots with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While carrots roast, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until fennel softens and becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves to the skillet with fennel. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Nestle 4 salmon fillets skin-side down into the fennel and citrus mixture. Spoon some sauce over the salmon, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Plate salmon with fennel and sauce spooned over, served alongside the roasted carrots.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Roasted Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Roasted Carrots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Roasted Carrots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Roasted Carrots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Roasted Carrots whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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