Enjoy crispy Parmesan herb-crusted salmon topped with a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce—an easy yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden Parmesan crust adds incredible texture and flavor.
- The lemon butter sauce brings a rich, zesty touch that enhances the salmon.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or an elegant dinner.
- Packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Uses simple ingredients yet delivers restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry, then press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each fillet, ensuring a generous crust.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place salmon, crust side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Carefully flip the salmon and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat, stirring in garlic and lemon juice, cooking until fragrant.
- Remove salmon from oven. Drizzle with lemon butter sauce before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 380 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan crust for some heat.
- Herb Swap: Try using basil or thyme instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
- Panko Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the crust may become soggy.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Try this recipe with cod, halibut, or trout.
Is there a substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed almonds or ground flaxseeds for a low-carb option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the Parmesan crust in advance, but cook the salmon fresh for the best results.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best taste, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the crust from falling off?
Make sure to pat the salmon dry before pressing on the crust, and avoid excessive flipping.
Conclusion
Parmesan Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a flavorful, quick, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The crispy, cheesy crust paired with the rich, tangy butter sauce makes this dish an absolute favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Parmesan Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy crispy Parmesan herb-crusted salmon topped with a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce—an easy yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pat salmon dry and press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each fillet.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon crust-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Flip and transfer to the oven, cooking for another 5-6 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in garlic and lemon juice until fragrant.
- Remove salmon from the oven and drizzle with lemon butter sauce before serving.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American