Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, because this Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! Packed with a zesty, herby crust and a luscious lemon butter sauce, this dish is a total showstopper that’s sure to have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon
This incredible recipe is the ultimate fusion of bold, mouthwatering flavors that will leave you craving more with every bite. The crispy, herbaceous crust perfectly complements the rich, flaky salmon, while the creamy, tangy lemon butter sauce ties it all together in epic, explosive fashion. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure like no other – this Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon is about to become your new favorite way to slay dinnertime!
Ingredients
This insanely delicious dish comes together with just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. You’ll need salmon fillets, fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme, lemon zest and juice, butter, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and a few pantry staples. The best part? You can easily swap in your favorite herbs or citrus to put your own sensational spin on it.
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets – wild-caught is best
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, dill, and thyme
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh Herbs: Feel free to mix and match your preferred herbs – try swapping in basil, oregano, or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Citrus: You can also use lemon, lime, or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon
This recipe is an absolute breeze to whip up, but the end result is anything but ordinary. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, y’all!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, panko, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the lemon butter over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the herby panko mixture evenly over the fillets, pressing it down gently to help it adhere.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the salmon in the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of the leftover lemon butter sauce. Get ready for an explosion of sensational flavors in every bite!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheesy Variation: Try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to the breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of savory deliciousness.
- Crispy Crust Tip: To get an extra crispy, golden-brown crust, be sure to use fresh, dry breadcrumbs (like panko) and press the mixture down firmly onto the salmon fillets before baking. You can also try broiling the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes to really make that crust sizzle.
- Fish Swap Variation: You can swap in different types of fish, like cod or halibut, if you’re not a fan of salmon.
- Herb Blend Variation: Feel free to experiment with various herb blends, or even make it into a salmon burger situation. The possibilities are endless when you’re a bold culinary rebel like me!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: your favorite roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or some fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete, mouth-watering meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the salmon fillets with the lemon butter and herby breadcrumb topping up to 1 day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This epic Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon is not only insanely delicious, but it’s also packed with amazing nutritional benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Combined with the fresh herbs, lemon, and a moderate amount of butter, this dish makes for a well-balanced, satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 431 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 13 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 324 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
To get an extra crispy, golden-brown crust, be sure to use fresh, dry breadcrumbs (like panko) and press the mixture down firmly onto the salmon fillets before baking. You can also try broiling the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes to really make that crust sizzle.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the salmon fillets with the lemon butter and herby breadcrumb topping up to 1 day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it a super convenient option for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
What should I serve with Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon?
The possibilities are endless! This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed or baked potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even a hearty grain like quinoa or farro. You really can’t go wrong – just let your taste buds be your guide!
How long does leftover salmon keep?
Properly stored, cooked salmon will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For best quality and food safety, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container as soon as possible.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen salmon fillets work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels, then season and prepare as directed. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
Try These Next
- Herb Crusted Salmon With Lemon Butter
- Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
- Savory Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
Flavorful Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Herb-crusted Lemon Butter Salmon is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of herbs with the richness of butter and the zesty flavor of lemon. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch!
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, dill, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the herb mixture generously over each salmon fillet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the salmon marinate in the herb mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salmon, herb, lemon, butter, healthy