Description
This Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust features a tender, flaky salmon filet topped with a flavorful, crispy crust made from panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner, this recipe combines vibrant citrus notes and savory herbs that complement the richness of the salmon, baked to perfection in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 3 pound salmon filet (skin-on, bones removed)
Parmesan Herb Crust
- 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley (minced)
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (minced, leaves only)
- 1 lemon (zested)
Butter Lemon Mixture
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted and divided)
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
For Serving
- Lemon slices or wedges
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon filet skin side down on the prepared baking sheet. Use a paper towel to gently blot the surface of the salmon dry, which helps the crust adhere better.
- Make Herb Crust Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, chives, garlic, thyme leaves, and lemon zest. Stir to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Prepare Butter Lemon Mixture: In another small bowl, combine the melted butter and fresh lemon juice. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Brush Salmon: Brush half of the butter and lemon mixture evenly over the top of the salmon filet to add moisture and flavor beneath the crust.
- Mix Crust with Butter: Add the remaining butter and lemon mixture to the panko herb crust mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs are fully coated.
- Apply Crust: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over the buttered salmon, pressing it firmly to ensure it sticks and forms a uniform crust.
- Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden, the salmon flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Adjust If Necessary: If the crust darkens too quickly during baking, tent the salmon loosely with foil, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F, or move the baking sheet to a lower rack to avoid burning while finishing the cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra brightness and presentation.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps it mix more evenly into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure to blot the salmon dry to help the crust stick better and prevent sogginess.
- Substitute dill for chives if preferred for a different but complementary herb flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon is perfectly cooked to 145°F for food safety and optimal texture.
- If cooking smaller salmon portions, reduce baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American