Panko Crusted Salmon

Panko Crusted Salmon: A Delicious and Crispy Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner that feels special, this Panko Crusted Salmon is the perfect choice. The combination of tender, flaky salmon with a crispy, buttery panko topping makes for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a more refined weekend dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each, 1 inch thick)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 415°F (210°C). This temperature ensures that the panko crust becomes golden and crispy while the salmon cooks to perfection.

2. Prepare the Panko Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, softened butter, kosher salt, ground black pepper, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Use a fork to mix the ingredients together, breaking apart the butter until everything is well combined and forms a crumbly mixture. The butter helps to bind the ingredients and adds richness to the topping.

3. Coat the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a deep baking dish, skin-side down if they have skin.

Generously top each fillet with the panko mixture, pressing it down lightly to adhere to the salmon. Make sure the fillets are evenly coated to ensure a nice, even crust.

4. Bake the Salmon:
Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the salmon uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. This cooking time will ensure the salmon is cooked through but still moist and tender.

Note: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, making it even more tender and flavorful.

Optionally, drizzle some additional melted butter over the top of the salmon before serving to enhance the richness of the dish.

Serve the panko-crusted salmon with roasted broccolini and wild rice for a complete and balanced meal.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Tips for Success:

• Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, as this helps it blend more easily with the panko mixture.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon while it’s baking to ensure it doesn’t dry out. The panko crust should be golden and the salmon just cooked through.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to the panko mixture, or sprinkle some lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Final Thoughts:

This Panko Crusted Salmon is a fantastic dish that combines simplicity with elegance. The crispy panko topping adds a delightful texture to the tender salmon, while the flavors of garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley bring everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home!

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