Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 2
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Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a delightful way to enjoy salmon, combining fresh herbs and a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both impressive and easy to make.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Salmon fillets are the star of this dish, providing a rich, buttery texture and flavor. Look for fresh or high-quality frozen fillets for the best result. Bread crumbs help create a crispy topping when combined with herbs. Fresh parsley, dill, and thyme bring a burst of flavor and aroma, making the dish vibrant and refreshing. Olive oil helps the herb mixture stick to the fillets and adds a touch of richness. Salt and black pepper season the dish, enhancing the natural flavors. The lemon juice in the sauce provides a bright, acidic contrast to the rich salmon, while unsalted butter creates a smooth, creamy texture. Finally, garlic introduces a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a sharp knife to chop herbs finely for better flavor distribution.
  • For an extra crispy crust, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
  • If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add some zest to the sauce.
  • Don't overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. You could also serve it alongside a creamy risotto or simple mashed potatoes to soak up the lemon butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
What type of salmon should I use?
Atlantic or wild-caught salmon both work well, just ensure the fillets are fresh and of good quality.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and it should work just fine.

Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven going by preheating it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Next, in a bowl, combine bread crumbs, fresh parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil over this mixture, and stir until everything is well coated and ready to adhere to the salmon.

Now, grab your salmon fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, which helps the herb crust stick better. Lay them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. With your herb mixture in hand, press it evenly onto the top of each fillet, ensuring it covers the surface well.

Pop the salmon into your preheated oven and let it bake for 12-15 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crust is a lovely golden color and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. While the salmon bakes, turn your attention to the sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it's just fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Stir in the lemon juice and let it cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Once your salmon is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven. Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over the top before serving, letting it seep into the crust for an extra layer of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation with a gourmet feel.
  • Fresh herbs elevate the flavor to restaurant-quality.
  • The lemon butter sauce adds a zesty finish that complements the salmon perfectly.
  • Minimal cleanup thanks to baking on parchment paper.

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lemons, juiced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and combine well.
3. Pat dry the salmon fillets and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Press the herb mixture onto the salmon fillets, ensuring an even coating.
5. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the salmon is cooked through.
6. While the salmon is baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Remove salmon from the oven and drizzle with the lemon butter sauce before serving.

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