Oven Baked Herb-Crusted Salmon

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Oven Baked Herb-Crusted Salmon brings together the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a savory herb-infused crust. It’s a quick, healthy, and elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Herb-Crusted Salmon

Salmon fillets are the star of the show here, providing a rich, omega-3 packed base for the dish. Choose fillets with the skin on for added moisture and flavor during cooking.

Olive oil acts as both a flavor enhancer and a medium to help the herbs and breadcrumbs adhere to the salmon.

Lemon juice brightens up the whole dish, balancing the richness of the salmon with a touch of acidity.

Salt and black pepper are your basic seasonings, bringing out the natural flavors of the fish.

Garlic adds a robust aroma and depth to the herb crust.

Fresh dill, parsley, and basil contribute a fresh, herbaceous quality that pairs beautifully with salmon.

Bread crumbs provide the crispy texture in the crust, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor that complements the herbs.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free crackers.
  • For an extra crispy crust, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs perfectly with a light arugula salad or roasted asparagus. A side of garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa would also complement the dish nicely, adding some hearty texture to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if my salmon fillets are thicker?
If your fillets are thicker, you may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes. Always check for doneness by seeing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?
Absolutely! This herb crust works well with other white fish like cod or halibut.

Oven Baked Herb-Crusted Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup afterward.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Lay your salmon fillets out on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down, and brush the olive oil mixture generously over each piece. This ensures the salmon stays moist and flavorful.

In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh dill, parsley, basil, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well distributed. This is your flavorful crust mixture that will cap off the salmon.

Now, take a handful of the herb mixture and press it onto the top of each salmon fillet. You want a nice, even coating so that every bite has that delicious crunch and flavor.

Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. You'll know it’s done when the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Finally, serve the salmon hot with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating really elevates the flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick prep and cook time — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • The herb crust adds a delightful crunch and flavor.
  • Perfectly cooked salmon that's moist and flaky.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs salmon fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the salmon fillets.
3. In another bowl, combine minced garlic, dill, parsley, basil, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Press the herb mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating.
5. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve the salmon hot with lemon wedges on the side.

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