Lemon Herbed Salmon
Lemon Herbed Salmon features a flavorful crust of fresh bread crumbs, garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and lemon zest, perfectly complementing tender baked salmon for an elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 salmon fillet (3 to 4 pounds) ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted and divided ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, cheese, thyme, lemon zest, and salt; mix well.
- Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and toss lightly to coat; set aside.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the salmon fillet.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier topping, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. If you don’t have fresh thyme, use dried herbs, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent. You can also experiment with other herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile. This dish pairs beautifully with sides from American recipes like a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon herbed salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top for added brightness. It pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa or wild rice for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted asparagus or a mixed green salad for a light and refreshing complement. This dish is also fantastic when served with crusty bread, ideal for soaking up the juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the salmon and the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Herbed Salmon contains roughly 208 calories, with 13g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2046mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing it in the refrigerator overnight is the best method. Once thawed, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to ensure the topping adheres well.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will give a nice cheesy quality to the breadcrumb topping without compromising the dish.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the most reliable way to check doneness. Keep in mind that the salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).