Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon with Lemon, Parmesan, and Basil

My panko crusted baked salmon recipe crumbles and melts in the mouth. It coats silky salmon in a coating of panko breadcrumbs with lemon, garlic, butter, parmesan, herbs, and seasonings.

Baked until tender, you can enjoy this flavorful salmon dish with salads, rice, potatoes, and many other sides.

Ingredients Needed

To make my panko crusted baked salmon, you’ll need the following:

• Salmon – 1 salmon side (1.1 lb or 500 grams)
• Panko Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• Lemon – zest and juice from half a lemon
• Butter – 3 tbsp unsalted butter (about 42 grams)
• Basil – a handful of fresh basil (about 1 tbsp when finely chopped)
• Parmesan – 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• Garlic – 2 garlic cloves
• Salt – a pinch of salt
• Pepper – a pinch of black pepper
• Lemon Slices (optional) – for garnishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Melt the butter. You can do so in a small pot over low heat on the stove or in the microvave in a microwaveable bowl (in 15 second-increments to make sure the butter doesn’t make a mess in the microwave).

Step 2 – Add lemon zest, juice, fresh chopped basil, minced garlic, and grated parmesan. Give everything a stir.

I like to use a microplane grater for the lemon zest and garlic. You can also use a garlic press or mince the garlic with a chef’s knife.

Step 3 – Add the breadcrumbs and mix everything well.

Step 4 – Place the salmon on the baking dish (lined with parchment paper) and season the salmon with salt and pepper.

Step 5 – Add the breadcrumb layer.

Step 6 – Bake in the oven at 390°F (200°C or 180°C fan) until cooked. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It will also flake easily with a fork. Mine took 18 minutes in the oven. The exact times will vary based on the oven and the thickness of the salmon side (the general rule of thumb is about 14-17 minutes at 390°F per inch of thickness of the salmon).

Serving Suggestions for this Dish

You can garnish the whole salmon with lemon slices, and bring it to the dinner table to be cut into slices.

A side of herb-infused rice makes for a hearty side. You could also serve it with some seasoned baked or fried potatoes like these baked rosemary potato wedges. You could also add some greens, like arugula (rocket), to the plate.

For a dip, definitely give my lemon basil aioli a try. You can drizzle a little on top, or serve it in a small cup on the side with the salmon and potatoes.

I love the texture of this dish so much. The flaky salmon is silk on the tongue. If you make it, I’d love to know in the comments what you think of salmon in a breadcrumb coating. Let me know what sides you made it with, too!

Easy Recipe Card

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You Might Also Like to Try

• Blackened Salmon Recipe (with Cajun Spices)
• Smoked Salmon with Herb Cream Cheese in Brioche Buns

Looking for delicious ways to cook salmon? Pin my recipe to one of your boards, so that you can easily find it next time you buy salmon.