Ina Garten’s Perfect Panko-crusted Salmon Recipe for Dinner

Panko-crusted salmon transforms ordinary fish into a culinary masterpiece with its golden, crispy exterior.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this protein-packed dish beyond basic preparations.

Delicate seafood meets crunchy breadcrumbs in a harmonious dance of texture and flavor.

Simple ingredients create something extraordinary when combined with technique and creativity.

Mustard provides a tangy undertone that complements the rich salmon perfectly.

Weeknight dinners can feel special and gourmet without complicated steps or extensive preparation.

Home cooks quickly master this elegant technique that impresses family and guests: let’s dive in!

Why Panko-crusted Salmon Is Crispy Perfection on a Plate

• Crisp Up Seafood: The panko breadcrumbs create an incredible golden, crunchy exterior that transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-quality dish with irresistible texture and depth of flavor.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Combining stovetop searing and oven baking ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time, with a beautiful crisp top and moist, tender meat that's never dry or overcooked.
• Flavor-Packed Simple Ingredients: Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, and lemon zest deliver a bright, tangy punch that elevates the salmon without overwhelming its natural richness, making this recipe both sophisticated and accessible for home cooks.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, providing a gourmet meal that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills and preparation time.

Stock Up on Essentials for Panko-crusted Salmon Night

Main Ingredients:

Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon with a firm texture and bright color. Wild or farm-raised options work well, with skin-on preferred for better searing.

Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a crunchy golden exterior. Look for fresh, dry breadcrumbs with a coarse texture.

• Dijon Mustard, Parsley, Lemon Zest: Bright, tangy ingredients that add depth and zestiness to the salmon's flavor profile. Fresh parsley and freshly grated lemon zest provide the most intense taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and breadcrumb topping.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for achieving a crispy sear on the salmon.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the panko mixture and adds a subtle richness to the breadcrumb coating.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for resting the salmon, helping to retain moisture and continue gentle cooking.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus garnish that brightens the dish and provides a tangy accompaniment.

Bake Your Way to Crunchy Panko-crusted Salmon Glory

Step 1: Set The Oven Ablaze

Crank up your oven to a sizzling 425°F / 220°C, getting ready for salmon magic.

Step 2: Craft Panko Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil and toss until crumbs are perfectly coated. Set this crunchy mixture aside.

Step 3: Dress The Salmon

Lay salmon fillets skin-side down on a clean cutting board. Generously brush each fillet with Dijon mustard, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Press the prepared panko mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated surface, creating a crispy armor.

Step 4: Sear With Confidence

Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch / 30-cm cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear for 3–4 minutes without disturbing, allowing a golden crust to form.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 5–7 minutes until salmon is almost cooked through and panko turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove the pan from the oven. Gently cover fillets with aluminum foil, letting them rest for 5–10 minutes to lock in juicy flavors.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Plate the salmon hot or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Smart Tips for a Juicy, Crispy Panko-crusted Salmon

• Maximize Flavor Freshness: Opt for fresh parsley and lemon zest to elevate the salmon's taste profile, steering clear of dried alternatives that can dull the dish's vibrant character.
• Master the Panko Technique: Gently but firmly press the panko mixture onto the mustard-coated salmon, creating a uniform, crispy coating that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Nail the Skillet Sear: Heat your skillet to the perfect temperature before introducing the salmon, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior that doesn't stick and develops rich, caramelized flavors.
• Embrace the Resting Period: Allow your cooked salmon to rest briefly after baking, giving the fish a chance to finish cooking evenly and retain its succulent, tender texture.
• Customize Cooking for Thickness: Adjust baking time for thicker salmon fillets, adding 1-2 minutes to guarantee thorough cooking without drying out the delicate fish.

How to Store Panko-crusted Salmon Without Losing Crunch

• Preserve Flavor: Transfer cooled salmon to a shallow airtight glass container to maintain its crispy panko coating and prevent moisture buildup. Seal tightly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to lock in freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Prevent Freezer Burn: Individually wrap each salmon fillet in parchment paper before placing in a vacuum-sealed freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air to protect the delicate fish texture and prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
• Quick Reheating: Restore the salmon's original crispiness by placing it on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, which helps revive the panko crust without drying out the fish.

Flavor Variations to Reinvent Your Panko-crusted Salmon

• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh oregano, thyme, and basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that adds robust herbal notes to the crispy panko crust.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap the Dijon mustard with a blend of Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper to the panko mixture, creating a zesty and bold coating that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon: Substitute Dijon mustard with a thin layer of miso paste and mix sesame seeds into the panko crumbs, then garnish with chopped green onions for a complex umami-rich version that highlights Pacific Rim flavors.
• Nutty Almond Salmon: Incorporate finely chopped almonds into the panko mixture and use almond extract in place of mustard, delivering a subtle nuttiness and delicate crunch that elevates the salmon's natural richness.

Panko-crusted Salmon That Ends with a Golden Crunch

Salmon lovers unite around Ina Garten’s masterpiece of culinary brilliance.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across golden panko crusts, revealing delicate fish beneath.

Crisp herbal notes from parsley and zesty lemon elevate simple ingredients into gourmet territory.

Each bite promises restaurant-quality satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Finally, please click share, comment below, and spread salmon magic across your social networks!

Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s panko-crusted salmon delivers coastal elegance with crispy golden breadcrumbs and rich, succulent fish. Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon create a perfect harmony that elevates this classic seafood dish for discerning palates eager to savor restaurant-quality flavors at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 to 8 ounces), skin on
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil

Coating Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Seasoning and Serving:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to a robust 425°F / 220°C, creating an ideal roasting environment for the salmon.
2. Craft a textured panko topping by combining breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, delicate lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss until the crumbs achieve a uniform, glistening coating.
3. Arrange salmon fillets on a clean cutting surface, positioning them skin-side down. Generously brush the exposed flesh with tangy Dijon mustard, then season with a harmonious blend of salt and pepper. Firmly press the prepared panko mixture onto the mustard-glazed surface, ensuring a crisp, even coverage.
4. Ignite a 12-inch / 30-cm cast-iron skillet or heavy ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Pour in vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers with intense heat. Carefully introduce the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and allow them to sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, developing a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Carefully slide the skillet into the preheated oven, continuing the cooking process for 5–7 minutes. The salmon should emerge almost fully cooked, with the panko topping transforming into a rich, golden-brown crust.
6. Extract the pan from the oven and tenderly shield the fillets with aluminum foil, permitting them to rest and redistribute their internal moisture for 5–10 minutes.
7. Present the salmon while still warm or at a comfortable room temperature, accompanied by bright, zesty lemon wedges for a refreshing citrus accent.

Notes

• Transform fresh herbs from garden to plate by finely chopping parsley just before sprinkling for maximum flavor burst.
• Gently press panko crumbs with fingertips creating a uniform golden coating that locks in salmon’s natural moisture.
• Monitor skillet temperature carefully to prevent burning, using medium-high heat for perfect crispy exterior without scorching.
• Allow salmon to rest on warm plate after baking, letting residual heat complete cooking process and redistribute delicious juices.
• Customize baking duration based on fillet thickness, checking internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked seafood.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1 of 4 servings)
• Calories: 577
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 546mg
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 109mg