Crispy Parmesan Salmon Bake (Print Version)
Golden Parmesan-crusted salmon fillets baked to perfection, offering a perfect balance of crispiness and tender fish for quick weeknight meals.
# What You Need:
→ Salmon
01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Parmesan Crust
04 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if required)
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
→ Topping (optional)
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving
12 - Extra chopped parsley
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Place the salmon fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest. Pour in the melted butter and mix until evenly combined and crumbly.
04 - Press the Parmesan mixture evenly on top of each salmon fillet, covering the surface completely.
05 - Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
06 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crust creates this incredible contrast between crispy, salty topping and tender, flaky fish that makes every bite interesting
- Its one of those rare dinners that feels company worthy but comes together on a Tuesday night without stress
02 -
- Pressing the crust firmly onto the fish is the step most people skip, but it makes the difference between a topping that falls off and one that stays put
- That final broiler minute creates the restaurant quality crispiness, but stand right there because it goes from perfect to burned in seconds
03 -
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before prepping
- Grating your own Parmesan is worth the extra effort, the texture and melting quality is completely different