Crispy Panko Parmesan Salmon: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Crispy Panko Parmesan Salmon recipe! This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality meal that the whole family will love.

This recipe combines the richness of salmon with the crunchy texture of panko breadcrumbs and the savory taste of parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, the salmon remains moist and flaky inside while boasting a golden-brown, crispy crust. It’s a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Baking it preserves its nutrients.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The crispy coating and mild flavor appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Impressive:** This dish looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s incredibly simple to make.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Salmon Fillets:** Choose skin-on or skinless fillets, depending on your preference. About 4-6 ounces per person is a good serving size.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are larger and airier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the salmon a much crispier texture. Look for them in the Asian or international aisle of your grocery store.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the crust. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well.
* **Mayonnaise:** Mayonnaise acts as a binder for the panko mixture and adds moisture to the salmon. You can use regular or light mayonnaise.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a tangy and subtle flavor that complements the salmon and parmesan. Feel free to experiment with other types of mustard, like whole grain or honey mustard.
* **Garlic Powder:** Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the crust. You can also use fresh minced garlic, but garlic powder is more convenient.
* **Italian Seasoning:** Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. It adds a fragrant and herbaceous note to the dish. You can make your own blend or buy it pre-mixed.
* **Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors of the salmon and adds a touch of acidity. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil helps to keep the salmon moist and prevents it from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season the salmon and the panko mixture to taste with salt and pepper.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Crispy Panko Parmesan Salmon:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and the panko coating becomes crispy.
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.

**Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Fillets**

* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help the panko coating adhere better and ensure that the salmon browns nicely.
* Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. If you’re using skinless fillets, simply place them directly on the baking sheet.
* Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as the salmon needs to be well-seasoned.

**Step 3: Make the Panko Parmesan Mixture**

* In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
* Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is slightly moist. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more mayonnaise. If it seems too wet, add a little more panko breadcrumbs.

**Step 4: Top the Salmon with the Panko Mixture**

* Divide the panko parmesan mixture evenly among the salmon fillets.
* Gently press the mixture onto the top of each fillet, ensuring that it’s well-adhered. You want a nice, even layer of the mixture on top of the salmon.

**Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil**

* Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the panko parmesan topping on each fillet. This will help the breadcrumbs to brown and become crispy.

**Step 6: Bake the Salmon**

* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the panko topping is golden brown and crispy. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
* To check if the salmon is cooked through, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon should flake easily and be opaque in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Panko Parmesan Salmon

* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Be sure to check the salmon for doneness frequently and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked through.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will affect the taste of the final dish. Use fresh salmon, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and good-quality olive oil for the best results.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to your liking. Taste the panko mixture before topping the salmon and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Broil for Extra Crispiness:** If you want the panko topping to be extra crispy, broil the salmon for the last minute or two of cooking time. Watch it closely to prevent it from burning.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko parmesan mixture.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Asiago, Romano, or Pecorino Romano, in place of parmesan cheese.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs, such as dill, chives, or parsley, can be added to the panko parmesan mixture for extra flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Panko Parmesan Salmon is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the salmon over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that pairs well with salmon.
* **Pasta:** Toss the salmon with pasta and a light lemon cream sauce for a more substantial meal.

## Variations

Here are a few variations on this recipe:

* **Lemon Herb Panko Salmon:** Add lemon zest and fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or thyme, to the panko mixture.
* **Spicy Panko Salmon:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the panko mixture.
* **Honey Mustard Panko Salmon:** Use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard in the panko mixture.
* **Everything Bagel Panko Salmon:** Top the salmon with an everything bagel seasoning for a unique flavor.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave on medium power. Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating it.

## Recipe Card

**Crispy Panko Parmesan Salmon**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes

**Yields:** 4 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 4 salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry and place on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Mix well.
4. Divide the panko parmesan mixture evenly among the salmon fillets and gently press onto the top of each fillet.
5. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the panko topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve immediately.

## Conclusion

This Crispy Panko Parmesan Salmon recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a delicious and healthy meal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Enjoy!