Looking for a new, super delicious fish recipe that is easy to make? This best ever crusted salmon recipe will knock your socks off! The crispy, smoky, and slightly spicy crust matches the soft, flaky salmon flesh perfectly. Did I mention it's done in only 30 minutes?
Do you ever send your husband shopping with a detailed description of what you need and he brings home...not that? I'm lucky enough that my husband loves shopping, so I know he doesn't do it on purpose just to get out of the chore.
However, a good percentage of my posts are created with something he bought "wrong" or in excess. Like that time I had four pounds of yogurt to use and made this yogurt cake and thousand other things, lol.
I guess his favorite number is four because when I sent him to buy me a salmon filet, for the two of us, I got a four-pounder, ha! The fillet was so big, I baked it on the largest cookie sheet I own, placed diagonally, and the tail side was still hanging over a bit. A huge hunk of fish for $40. But it was worth every penny!
We ate overate the salmon in two days and would eat it for two more if we had enough of it. Man, was it good! The best! This time I wasn't mad at him for buying more than needed.
Ingredients for The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe
- Atlantic salmon - we used a large whole fillet, but you can use individual pieces
- Olive oil - sub with oil of your choice or butter
- Mayonnaise - your favorite brand
- Grated parmesan cheese - one of the key ingredients for this dish!
- Italian seasoning - I found this herb grinder to taste the best.
- Cayenne pepper - add more if you like extra heat
- Old Bay seasoning - I urge you to pick up this seasoning. I always use it on fish and chicken, but it's also great on anything else, including salads!
- Lemon pepper seasoning - you can also use pepper and a lemon zest
- Smoked paprika - don't substitute with Hungarian paprika! This smoked version adds a deep flavor and color. You can always use leftovers in other dishes like this roasted cauliflower and Spanish tapas dishes, or use as a rub for roasted meats and poultry.
- Salt - to taste
- Italian style croutons - you can use garlic-flavored croutons instead and gluten-free if you have gluten restrictions.
How to Make The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe:
- Rinse salmon with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place skin side down in a baking dish greased with olive oil.
- In a small bowl combine all ingredients except the croutons. Spread evenly over the salmon.
- Sprinkle crushed croutons evenly over the mayo mixture. Dust with more smoked paprika.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes in 350 F preheated oven or until bread crumbs get toasty and salmon easily flakes with a fork.
Why is salmon good for you?
Mild in flavor, salmon has a juicy meat texture. Amino acids in fish lower blood sugar levels. Salmon is beneficial for diabetics and those who want to prevent this disease.
The combined action of the antioxidants selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 acids stimulates the action of insulin. As a result, sugar is absorbed faster and its level in the blood decreases. Enough reasons to include this healthy and delicious meal in your menu rotation!
Recipe Tips
- Don't substitute smoked paprika with the regular one, it will lack flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice and broccoli or another favorite vegetable.
- This is a perfect dish to entertain your guests, to serve on holidays, or your weeknight dinner.
More delicious salmon recipes you will love:
- CUBAN MARINATED GRILLED SALMON
- CHINESE PAN-FRIED SALMON
- HONEY MUSTARD GLAZED SALMON FILET
- BLACKENED SALMON FOCACCIA
The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Atlantic salmon fillet whole or 4 individual pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more
- 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Italian style croutons
- fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rinse salmon with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place skin side down in a baking pan greased with olive oil.
- In a small bowl combine the mayo, parmesan, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, old bay seasoning, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread evenly over the salmon.
- Crush croutons leaving some bigger pieces for the texture. This is done easily by placing croutons in a Ziploc bag and hitting it a few times with a meat mallet or use a rolling pin. Sprinkle the croutons evenly over the mayo mixture. Dust with more smoked paprika.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bread crumbs get toasty and salmon easily flakes with a fork. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Expert Tips
- Don't substitute smoked paprika with the regular one, it will lack flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice and broccoli or another favorite vegetable.
- This is a perfect dish to entertain your guest, to serve on holidays, or your weeknight dinner.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.
Jasmin b says
This was really really yummy I found this recipe and your name is Jas too so I was like this is a sign. My salmon came out really well I enjoyed every bit!!!
Jas says
Welcome, fellow namesake (my full name is Jasminka). I'm so glad you liked this salmon recipe and hope it will stay on your menu rotation. 🙂
Sheri says
This looks delicious! Thanks for joining the To Grandma’s House We Go link party! Your post has been pinned!
Jas says
Thank you, Sheri! Have a lovely day.
Jelica says
This looks amazing Jas! I love salmon and love the idea of having one with a bit of crunch!
Jas says
Thanks, Jelica! The crunch is perfect with the tender flesh. 🙂