Description
Tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a golden garlic Parmesan crust. This easy baked salmon recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
- Extra Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting the topping to adhere properly. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Brush or drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
- Make the Parmesan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. The butter should coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Apply the Topping: Divide the Parmesan mixture evenly among the four salmon fillets, pressing it gently onto the top of each piece with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Create an even layer that covers the entire top surface of each fillet. Press firmly so the topping adheres well – don’t worry about being too gentle, salmon is sturdy.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The Parmesan topping should be golden brown and crispy. For thicker fillets (over 1 inch), you may need an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Optional Broiling Step: For an extra-crispy, golden-brown topping, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning – you want deep golden brown, not charred. This step is optional but creates an irresistibly crispy crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender fish. Use a spatula to carefully transfer each fillet to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, serve with lemon wedges on the side, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Thickness Matters: Cooking time varies based on fillet thickness. Thinner fillets (¾ inch) need only 10-12 minutes, while thicker cuts (1½ inches) may need 15-18 minutes. Always check internal temperature for best results.
- Skin-On vs Skinless: Both work great. If using skin-on, the skin won’t get crispy since it’s against the pan, but it helps hold the fillet together and can be easily removed before serving if desired.
- Don’t Overbake: Salmon continues cooking slightly after removal from the oven (carryover cooking). Remove it when it’s just done or even slightly underdone in the very center for the moistest results.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs entirely for a gluten-free version. The topping will be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
- Make It Spicier: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the Parmesan mixture for subtle heat that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz) with topping
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg