Parmesan Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
Introduction
When you’re craving something elegant but easy, this Parmesan Herb-Crusted Salmon delivers bold flavor and flaky tenderness in every bite. The cheesy herb crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the lemon butter sauce provides just the right zesty finish. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknights or dinner parties alike!
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this dish turns a simple salmon fillet into something that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss. The combination of Parmesan, fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest creates a crust that’s both fragrant and flavorful. The pan-sear and oven-finish technique ensures perfect doneness and a golden top every time. And the lemon butter sauce? It’s the velvety finishing touch that ties it all together.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
🌿 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- No fresh herbs? You can use 1 tsp each of dried parsley and dill in place of fresh.
- Want it gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
- Extra lemony? Add a pinch of lemon zest to the sauce too.
- Need dairy-free? Try nutritional yeast and almond flour for the crust, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get your oven-safe skillet ready.
2️⃣ Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This blend will give your salmon a fragrant, cheesy crust with just the right crunch.
3️⃣ Crust the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Press the herb-Parmesan mixture firmly onto the top side of each fillet so it sticks well.
4️⃣ Sear for a Golden Crust
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Place the salmon crust-side down and sear for 3–4 minutesuntil the topping is golden and crisp. Carefully flip the salmon with a spatula.
5️⃣ Oven Finish
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5–6 more minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
6️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and lemon juice, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce slightly thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
7️⃣ Serve
Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
🍽 Tips for Success
- Use room temp salmon: This ensures even cooking and a better sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary.
- Rest before serving: Let the salmon rest for 1–2 minutes out of the oven before plating.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
Pair your salmon with any of these:
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A side of garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa
- Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
❤️ More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this salmon, try these other crave-worthy dishes:
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Baked Kosher Salami Is My Favorite Easy Appetizer with Big Flavor
✨ Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a dish you’ll return to again and again. It’s fast, flavorful, and packed with nourishing ingredients that make it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out by tagging @chefmaniac and don’t forget to follow for more easy gourmet meals straight from the home kitchen. 🍋🐟💚
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