The Best Baked Salmon

The Best Baked Salmon

4 servings
This simple baked salmon really hits all the right notes: tangy, sweet, savory, a little spicy and crunchy. Cooking a larger piece makes for a nice presentation. Topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs and parsley, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients

  • light brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • paprika
    ½ tsp
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • panko breadcrumbs
    ¼ c
  • parsley leaves
    ½ c
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • skin-on salmon fillet

    preferably center-cut

    1 ½ lb
  • Dijon
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix the panko with the parsley, butter, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper in another small bowl.

  2. 2

    Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and spread the surface with the Dijon. Press the brown sugar mixture all over the salmon then top with the breadcrumb mixture. Crimp all four sides of the foil to create a border around the salmon, this will help collect the juices so they don't spread and burn. Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, and the salmon is firm and flakes easily when pressed, 15 to 18 minutes. Cut into four equal portions for serving.

The Best Baked Salmon

The Best Baked Salmon

25 min4 servings444 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a show-stopping main dish that’s deceptively easy to make? This recipe for The Best Baked Salmon delivers on all fronts, offering a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

This recipe truly earns its name by balancing a delightful interplay of tangy, sweet, savory, and a touch of spicy notes. The secret lies in the buttery, golden breadcrumb topping, which adds an irresistible crunch and elevates a simple salmon fillet into an elegant centerpiece that’s sure to impress.

You can expect a beautifully flaky salmon, cooked to perfection, topped with a flavorful crust that provides a delightful textural contrast. Each bite offers a burst of savory goodness from the blend of brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder, complemented by the subtle heat of cayenne pepper. The fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish that perfectly balances the richness of the fish. This main-dish recipe comes together in just 25 minutes total, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight yet sophisticated enough to grace your table for special guests.

Want to adjust the flavor profile? You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. For an extra herbaceous touch, you could experiment with adding other fresh herbs, though the fresh parsley is a wonderful counterpoint to the rich salmon and crunchy topping.

With its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors, this baked salmon is ideal for a quick family dinner or as the centerpiece of a more elaborate meal for guests. Serve it alongside your favorite simple side dishes to let the salmon truly shine.

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