This Herb Crusted Baked Salmon is the perfect blend of tender, flaky fish with a golden, lemony herb crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an effortless yet impressive dish you can serve for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, every bite bursts with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Quick And Easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and less than 20 minutes in the oven.
-
Elegant Yet Simple – Beautiful presentation without complicated steps.
-
Healthy And Satisfying – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and fresh herbs.
-
Versatile Serving Options – Pairs well with roasted veggies, salads, or rice.
-
Crowd-Pleaser – Even those who don’t usually love fish will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 salmon fillet, 3–4 pounds
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
-
1 lemon, divided (zest and juice used separately)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Topping
-
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
-
3 tablespoons melted butter
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
-
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half.
-
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, Parmesan, dill, garlic, and reserved lemon zest.
-
Line a baking pan with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
-
Place the salmon on the pan, skin side down if applicable. Brush with melted butter, season with salt and pepper, and squeeze half the lemon over the top.
-
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the salmon.
-
Bake uncovered for 13–17 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
-
Slice the remaining lemon into wedges and serve alongside the salmon.
Servings And Timing
-
Servings: 8
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Nutty Crust – Add ¼ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the topping for extra crunch.
-
Herb Swap – Use tarragon, basil, or thyme instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
-
Spicy Kick – Mix in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes into the topping.
-
Gluten-Free – Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for panko.
-
Citrus Twist – Try orange or lime zest for a new flavor dimension.
Storage/Reheating
-
Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
-
Reheating: Warm in a 275°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through, or gently microwave on low to avoid drying out.
FAQs
1. How do I know when salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
2. Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before baking for even cooking.
3. Should I remove the salmon skin before baking?
No, keep the skin on for better moisture retention. It can easily be removed after cooking.
4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
5. What can I serve with herb crusted baked salmon?
Roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, wild rice, or a fresh green salad make great sides.
6. Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes, you can mix the topping up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
7. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
8. Does the breadcrumb topping get crispy?
Yes, the panko crumbs turn golden and crunchy when baked at the recommended temperature.
9. Can I grill this salmon instead?
Yes, place the salmon on foil, add the topping, and grill over medium heat until cooked through.
10. Will leftovers taste as good?
They won’t be quite as crispy, but they still taste great when reheated gently.
Conclusion
Herb Crusted Baked Salmon is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this healthy fish. With its zesty lemon notes, fresh herbs, and crunchy topping, it’s a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
