Lemon Herb Crusted Baked Salmon
This Lemon Herb Crusted Baked Salmon is a delightful twist on a classic recipe, sure to impress even the most skeptical fish lover! By combining the freshness of lemon with aromatic herbs and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish provides a light, flavorful experience without the overpowering fishy taste. Paired perfectly with fluffy rice and vibrant steamed broccoli, it’s an easy, wholesome one-dish meal that brings both nutrition and taste to your table. This version of my daughter’s beloved recipe has been modified to enhance its flavors while keeping it simple to prepare.
N/A
Servings
245
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
salmon fillets
2 (1-1/2 inch wide and approximately 1 inch thick at the thickest point)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (divided)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for crust)
parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
lemon
1 (quartered (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly across the bottom of a 9x9-inch (or similar size) glass baking dish, ensuring the surface is well coated.
3
Gently place the salmon fillets in the baking dish, skin-side down if they have skin.
4
Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the tops of the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Sprinkle half of the garlic powder evenly over the fillets for added flavor.
6
Carefully distribute the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs over the fillets, creating an even layer for a crispy texture.
7
Finish by sprinkling the grated parmesan or romano cheese over the breadcrumb layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overbake to maintain moisture.
9
If desired, for added flavor, squeeze the juice of a quartered lemon over each fillet just before serving.
Nutrition Information
14.5g
Fat
9g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Crusted Baked Salmon?
It is a light and flavorful salmon dish topped with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic, baked until flaky and delicious.
At what temperature should I bake the salmon?
The salmon should be baked in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to cook the salmon?
It typically takes 18 to 20 minutes for the salmon to bake, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
What are the key ingredients for the crust?
The crust is made using olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan or romano cheese.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overbake it to ensure it stays moist.
Should I leave the skin on the salmon?
You can leave the skin on; simply place the fillets skin-side down in the baking dish.
What is the recommended size for the salmon fillets?
The recipe suggests fillets that are 1-1/2 inches wide and approximately 1 inch thick at the thickest point.
How many calories are in this salmon dish?
One serving of this Lemon Herb Crusted Baked Salmon contains approximately 245 calories.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, with only 9g of carbohydrates per serving, it is considered a relatively low-carb meal.
What sides pair well with this salmon?
It pairs perfectly with fluffy rice and vibrant steamed broccoli for a complete, wholesome meal.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
While you can use fresh minced garlic, garlic powder provides a more even distribution for the dry breadcrumb crust.
Is this salmon recipe fishy in flavor?
No, the combination of lemon and herbs is designed to provide a light, fresh experience without an overpowering fishy taste.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A 9x9-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil across the bottom of the dish to ensure it is well coated before adding the fish.
When should I add the lemon juice?
For the best flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets just before serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides approximately 23g of protein.
Can I use romano cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes, either grated parmesan or romano cheese works well for the crust.
Is this dish considered family-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and crunchy texture make it a great option for kids and those who might be skeptical of fish.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 14.5g of fat per serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and add your own Italian seasoning.
What type of olive oil is best?
A standard extra virgin olive oil works best for both coating the dish and the salmon.
Do I need to cover the salmon while baking?
No, the salmon should be baked uncovered so that the breadcrumb topping can become crispy.
How many fillets does this recipe make?
The provided ingredient amounts are tailored for 2 salmon fillets.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but ensure the salmon is completely thawed and patted dry before starting the recipe for the best crust results.
Is the lemon juice required?
The lemon is optional but highly recommended to brighten the flavors of the herb crust.
How much garlic powder is used per fillet?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder divided between the two fillets (roughly 1/2 teaspoon each).
What makes the crust crispy?
The combination of the olive oil coating and the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs creates the crispy texture during baking.
Can I prepare this in advance?
It is best prepared fresh to keep the breadcrumb crust from getting soggy, but you can measure the dry ingredients beforehand.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with a preparation time of only a few minutes and a 20-minute bake time, it is an excellent quick and easy meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.