Description
A quick and elegant weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets topped with a golden, nutty crust made from melted butter, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, and herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 18×13 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If using, rub lemon zest into the flesh. Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Do not burn.
- Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, and panko breadcrumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F. For a darker crust, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.
Notes
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure the crust adheres properly and stays crispy. Do not skip the panko breadcrumbs as they are essential for the texture. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is completely thawed and patted very dry. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet per serving
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: baked salmon, garlic butter salmon, crispy crust, weeknight dinner, healthy seafood, quick recipes, panko salmon