Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown salmon fillet that's bursting with zesty lemon flavor and an irresistible crunch. This Lemon Panko Crusted Salmon isn't just another fish dish—it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet experience. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a restaurant-worthy seafood masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and gets a nice crispy crust.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the olive oil and the lemon zest is evenly distributed.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the crust adhere better and promote even cooking.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet for added flavor.
- Evenly distribute the panko mixture over the top of each salmon fillet, pressing it down gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Drizzle any remaining olive oil over the panko crusted salmon to enhance browning and flavor.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the panko crust is golden brown and crispy. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful fillets.
- Serve the lemon panko crusted salmon with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious seafood dish!
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before adding the panko crust to ensure maximum crispiness and better crust adhesion.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant, bright flavor. The difference between fresh and bottled is remarkable.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give each salmon fillet enough space to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like fresh dill or parsley to your panko mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Choose high-quality, fresh salmon for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
