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Crispy Herb-Crusted Salmon

crispy herb-crusted salmon recipe - featured image

A quick and easy salmon recipe featuring a crunchy, aromatic herb crust that locks in the fish’s natural juiciness, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped dill
  • 2 tbsp thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for cooking
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 30 g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine parsley, dill, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, and panko breadcrumbs. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and stir until evenly moistened and sticky enough to adhere to salmon.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Press the herb mixture firmly onto the skinless side of each salmon fillet, creating an even 1/4-inch thick layer.
  4. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for 10-15 seconds to ensure even contact. Cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and releases easily.
  6. Carefully flip fillets so the herb-crusted side is down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, pressing the crust against the pan to crisp it up, until golden and salmon is cooked through.
  7. Remove fillets from pan and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry salmon thoroughly before applying herb crust to ensure crispiness. Press herb mixture firmly onto salmon to prevent falling off. Adjust heat to avoid burning crust. Rest salmon after cooking to keep moist. For oven-baked variation, bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, herb crust, crispy salmon, quick dinner, healthy seafood, easy salmon recipe, pan-fried salmon