Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon is your go-to recipe for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. With a crisp topping and tender, flaky fish, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon

The star of the dish is the salmon fillet. It's rich in omega-3s and has a lovely, mild flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs. The olive oil adds healthy fats and helps the herbs stick to the fish. A touch of salt and black pepper brings out the natural flavors. The lemon zest adds a zesty brightness, while fresh parsley, dill, and thyme create a fragrant, herbaceous crust. Finally, the almond meal provides a crunchy texture without overpowering the fish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your salmon has skin, there's no need to remove it. It will peel off easily after baking.
  • For extra crunch, toast the almond meal lightly before using.
  • If fresh herbs are unavailable, use half the amount of dried herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. For something heartier, try serving it alongside herbed quinoa or a pilaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
What if I don’t have almond meal?
You can substitute it with breadcrumbs or finely chopped nuts for a similar texture.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes, but be careful when flipping to maintain the herb crust.

Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Place your salmon fillet on the prepared sheet, and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the topping adheres well.

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Use a brush or your fingers to coat the salmon evenly with this mixture. This step is crucial for flavor and moisture.

Next, in another bowl, combine the fresh parsley, dill, thyme, and almond meal. This is your herb crust. Gently press this mixture onto the top of the salmon, making sure it's evenly distributed for that perfect crust.

Place the salmon in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the crust is a lovely golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — a weeknight win!
  • Uses fresh herbs for an aromatic flavor boost.
  • Nutritious and satisfying with minimal effort.
  • Impressive presentation with vibrant colors.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup almond meal

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillet.
5. In another bowl, mix fresh parsley, dill, thyme, and almond meal.
6. Press the herb mixture onto the salmon, ensuring an even coating on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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