Parmesan Crusted Salmon Recipe

Today’s Parmesan crusted salmon recipe promises to give you an easy how-to for a delicious and healthy dinner. The dish could be your next to-die-for dinner, even after the first try.

The moist and rich salmon is seasoned with salt and pepper before coating in a blend of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden brown. The result is tender, rich fillets wrapped in a crunchy crust, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Is Parmesan Crusted Salmon Healthy?

Yes, our Parmesan crusted salmon is relatively healthy.

Salmon— the star of this recipe— is replete with omega-3 fatty acids, which are recognized as essential compounds for human health. Part of the reason is that it’s a type of fat that the human body can’t produce, and so must absorb from food.

The most impressive benefit of omega-3 is linked to heart diseases. Including fish in a daily diet, especially those rich in omega-3, can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In this recipe, we minimize the amount of salt to ¼ teaspoon. This helps keep the sodium level in line with the US dietary guidelines while still ensuring the dish is delicious.

Salmon can be cooked and seasoned in a multitude of ways. The only rule is the seasonings should complement, not overpower the salmon’s natural flavor.

Good Seasoning for Salmon

Salmon can hold many different seasonings and herbs due to its mild flavor and buttery texture. So, the decision on seasonings for salmon will depend on the cooking methods and personal preference.

Because our salmon is baked in the oven, we came up with a blend that can bring out the seafood’s goodness while still holding a pleasant sour note. To make this blend, simply combine salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

It’s a flavor-packed blend that perfectly complements the buttery fish and cheese. You can store this seasoning in an airtight container in your pantry for up to a week and use it whenever you crave a baked seafood dish.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Step 1: Bake the vegetables

Toss the baby carrots and asparagus with olive oil and seasonings. Transfer to a lined baking sheet and bake at 400℉ for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the coating mixture

In a small bowl, stir together parsley, olive oil, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Season the salmon

Season the salmon with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Coat the salmon

Crack the egg into a separate bowl. Dip the fillets into the egg and then coat with the bread crumb mixture.

Step 5: Bake the salmon

Place the salmon fillets on a broil rack. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven. Serve with baked carrots and asparagus.

How Long to Bake Parmesan Salmon

Depending on the thickness and size of your salmon fillets, the baking time varies from 12-15 minutes at 350°F. This amount of time ensures the fish is cooked, but still pink, tender, and juicy in the middle.

The rule of thumb is to cook 10 minutes per inch of thickness of the fillet. Our salmon is about 1.5 inches, which requires 15 minutes in the oven.

If you prefer well-done salmon, leave it in the oven for 15 minutes or longer. Don’t forget to check the salmon regularly so they don’t end up tough and dry.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make this Parmesan crusted salmon ahead of time, you can prepare the Parmesan mixture the night before and spread it on the fillet just before baking. 

An important tip is that salmon is not the best ingredient to cook ahead of time. Unlike chicken or pork, salmon is best eaten slightly undercooked. That way, when you reheat it later, it won’t be overcooked, or worse, dry and crumbly.

In case you couldn’t finish the salmon in one sitting, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 - 4 days. When ready to use, cover your fish with foil and rebake. The foil acts as a protection against smell and prevents the salmon from drying out.

Side Dish for Salmon

Parmesan crusted salmon is a great way to feed your family a delicious and healthy meal. To create a fulfilling dinner of 750 calories, consider our below suggestions:

1. Mashed Potatoes

If you want a nice carb to go with salmon, nothing can beat a big batch of buttery mashed potatoes. Potatoes are boiled and mashed before combining with milk, butter, heavy cream, and seasonings to make a savory, creamy dish.

2. Lemon Watermelon Juice

We suggest having a refreshing juice to reset your taste buds after those strong flavors. Lemon watermelon juice is easy to make. 

Plus, it’s full of vitamins and minerals, and is a great way to support your immune system.

Here’s how it adds up nutritionally:

If you’re interested in more salmon recipes, check out our honey mustard salmon or salmon meuniere. They’re also palatable and nutritionally balanced.