The Perfect Panko Crusted Salmon Recipe: Crispy & Flavorful

Panko crusted salmon enhances ordinary seafood into a culinary masterpiece that dazzles both home cooks and dinner guests.

Its golden, crunchy exterior promises a delightful contrast against the succulent fish beneath.

Light and crisp breadcrumbs create an irresistible coating that seals in moisture and adds incredible depth to each bite.

The technique elevates a simple protein into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Elegant yet approachable, this method works beautifully for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings can enhance the panko natural crispness, bringing complex flavors to your plate.

Your family will appreciate how quickly this impressive dish comes together.

Variations of Panko Crusted Salmon

• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Add lemon zest to the panko mixture for bright, citrusy notes.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Incorporate Cajun seasoning into the panko breadcrumbs. Mix in cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for a bold, fiery kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon: Swap Dijon mustard with wasabi paste. Mix in sesame seeds and green onions to the panko coating. Drizzle with a light soy glaze after baking for an umami-rich experience.
• Nutty Almond Crust: Blend crushed almonds into the panko mixture for added texture and nutty depth. Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top after baking to enhance the crunch and visual appeal.

Crispy Panko Crusted Salmon

• Savor Crispy Perfection: The panko breadcrumb coating transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish with an irresistibly crunchy exterior that delivers maximum texture and flavor in every bite.
• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want a nutritious, gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Boost Nutrition Deliciously: Packed with high-quality protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and a low-carb profile, this salmon recipe offers a balanced meal that supports wellness without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
• Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: The recipe teaches an easy method of creating a flavorful herb-butter panko crust that elevates basic fish into an impressive dinner, helping home cooks build confidence in their culinary skills.

Ingredients for Crispy Panko Crusted Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich omega-3 content and mild, buttery flavor. Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon works well.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Unsalted Butter: Light, crispy coating that provides golden crunch and rich, smooth texture to the salmon.
• Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing and balancing the fishs natural flavors.

• Parsley, Garlic, Dijon Mustard: Fresh herbs and zesty condiments that add brightness, depth, and tangy complexity to the coating.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated seasonings that provide additional aromatic layers and rounded flavor profile.
• Optional Melted Butter: Extra finishing touch for added richness and glossy appearance.

How to Make Panko Crusted Salmon

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 415°F (210°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Softened butter
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chopped parsley
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Mix everything until you get a delightfully crumbly texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Arrange the salmon fillets in a deep baking dish, skin-side down if possible.

Step 4: Layer on the Magical Crunch

Spread the panko mixture generously over each fillet, gently pressing it down so it hugs the fish perfectly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish onto the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. This ensures your salmon is tender and juicy, not dry and sad.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it chill for about 5 minutes. Patience is key for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Drizzle some melted butter on top for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step 8: Serve Like a Chef

Plate your panko-crusted salmon alongside roasted broccolini and wild rice. Prepare for a meal that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy!

Tips for the Best Panko Crusted Salmon

• Select Fresh Salmon: Choose high-quality, wild-caught salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best taste and nutrition.
• Perfectly Press Panko: Gently but firmly press the breadcrumb mixture onto the salmon to ensure a crispy, even coating that won't fall off during baking.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Watch the salmon closely to prevent overcooking; the fish should be just opaque and easily flake with a fork for maximum moisture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and salmon to sit at room temperature for more even cooking and better breadcrumb adhesion.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with herb combinations like dill, thyme, or lemon zest to personalize the panko crust and add extra flavor complexity.

Storing and Reheating Panko Crusted Salmon

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated salmon within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and safety. Keep the panko crust crispy by storing the fish separately from moisture-rich side dishes.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C). Avoid using a microwave, which can make the fish tough and destroy its delicate texture.

Pairing Panko Crusted Salmon with Vegetables

• Craft a Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this panko salmon with a bright, citrusy sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. Its zesty acidity cuts through the rich buttery crust, enhancing the delicate fish flavor and creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Select a Refreshing Herbal Side: Complement the salmon's garlic and parsley notes with a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will provide a light, vibrant contrast to the crispy, golden fish.
• Design a Creamy Sauce Accent: Whip up a quick dill and yogurt sauce with chopped fresh dill, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. This cool, herbaceous condiment will balance the warm, crunchy panko crust and add an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Partners: Roast broccolini with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes alongside the salmon. These caramelized greens will echo the dish's savory profile and provide a nutritious, colorful accompaniment that elevates the entire meal.

Panko Crusted Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panko Crusted Salmon brings crispy textures and rich flavors to seafood lovers’ tables. Golden-brown panko crumbs create a perfect crunch that elevates this simple yet elegant fish dish with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (4–6 ounces/113–170 grams each, 1 inch/2.5 centimeters thick)

Coating and Seasoning:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Herbs and Butter:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 415°F (210°C), ensuring an ideal environment for creating a crispy panko crust on the salmon.
2. Combine panko breadcrumbs, softened unsalted butter, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl, working the ingredients together until they form a slightly clumpy, textured coating.
3. Position the salmon fillets skin-side down in a deep baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced and have room for even cooking.
4. Meticulously distribute the prepared panko mixture over each salmon fillet, gently pressing the crumb blend to create a uniform, adherent layer that will transform into a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Carefully slide the baking dish onto the middle rack of the preheated oven, allowing the salmon to cook for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) at the thickest point, which guarantees a moist and perfectly cooked fish.
6. Once removed from the oven, allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
7. For an extra touch of richness, delicately drizzle melted butter over the crisp panko crust just before serving.
8. Present the salmon alongside roasted broccolini and wild rice, creating a harmonious and visually appealing culinary composition that delights both the palate and the eye.

Notes

• Elevate your seafood game with this crispy, herb-infused salmon that transforms a simple fish into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Panko breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crunchy exterior while keeping the salmon underneath incredibly moist and tender.
• Butter and herbs blend seamlessly into the coating, infusing each bite with rich, aromatic flavors that complement the fish’s natural richness.
• Monitoring internal temperature ensures perfectly cooked salmon that’s never dry, guaranteeing a succulent and delightful main course.
• Quick preparation and minimal ingredients make this recipe an ideal weeknight dinner solution for home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg