There’s something special about garlic and herbs in my kitchen. It smells amazing when I bake salmon. I fell in love with garlic herb crusted salmon at a friend’s party.
One bite and I knew it was special. It was tender and flaky, with a great topping. It felt fancy but was easy to make at home.
After that, I wanted to make it myself. I learned to make it in just half an hour. It impressed my family and guests. Ready to try it? Here’s my favorite garlic herb crusted salmon recipe.
Introduction to Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon
Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon is perfect for any time. It’s great for a quick dinner or a fancy dinner party. The mix of fresh garlic and herbs makes the salmon taste amazing.
This dish is not only tasty but also good for you. It’s colorful and fun to eat. It’s a dish that brings people together.
Making this recipe is easy and fast. It looks fancy when it’s done. It’s perfect for impressing guests without a lot of work.
| Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Salmon filet weight | 3 pounds for a whole filet |
| Preparation time | Less than 10 minutes |
| Baking time | 20 minutes recommended |
| Internal temperature for doneness | 145°F |
| Serving size | 1 serving |
| Calories per serving | 254 kcal |
| Protein per serving | 4 g |
| Total Fat per serving | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat per serving | 11 g |
| Cholesterol per serving | 45 mg |
| Sodium per serving | 316 mg |
| Fiber per serving | 2 g |
| Vitamin A per serving | 1028 IU |
| Iron per serving | 2 mg |
Ingredients Needed for Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon
To make a tasty Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon, you need the right stuff. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this dish a hit:
- 1 salmon fillet (2 kg or 4 lb)
- ½ cup softened butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon thyme (finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
These ingredients make a delicious, healthy meal. The fresh herbs and lemon zest bring out the salmon’s taste. Plus, they add a bright touch. This dish is quick to prepare, perfect for any meal.
These simple ingredients help you make a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Just follow the steps to get a salmon dish that everyone will enjoy.
Cooking Instructions for Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon
To make garlic herb crusted salmon, I preheat my oven to 400°F. I line a baking pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray. This keeps the salmon from sticking.
Then, I put the salmon, skin side down, on the pan. I brush it with melted butter for flavor. I sprinkle salt and pepper on top for extra taste.
I squeeze half a lemon over the salmon for a fresh touch. This adds a nice zing to the dish.
Next, I spread the breadcrumb mixture over the salmon. This adds a nice texture and flavor. I bake it for 13-17 minutes, until it’s tender and flaky.
The dish has 776 Kcal per serving. It has 44 grams of fat and 37 grams of protein. It’s a hit with families, serving four people.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon
Serving salmon can be fun and creative. I cut the Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon into nice portions. Then, I place it on a plate beautifully.
Adding lemon wedges on the side makes it taste even better. It also adds a bright color. For a full meal, I pair it with a fresh side salad or colorful roasted veggies. This makes the meal feel fancy and healthy.
This dish is great for busy nights or special events. It’s both fancy and easy to make. When I make a healthy salmon meal, the flavors mix well.
Each piece is tasty and good for you. A serving has about 306 calories. It has 31 grams of protein, which is great for staying healthy.
When serving salmon, think about how it looks. I garnish the plate with chopped herbs or a balsamic glaze. This makes the dish look and taste amazing.
It doesn’t matter the occasion. Serving salmon nicely makes the meal feel extra special.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is super good for you. It has lots of omega-3 fatty acids. These help your heart and brain work well.
Eating salmon often can lower inflammation and blood pressure. It also makes your heart healthier.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A 6-ounce serving of Atlantic Salmon has 1.8 grams of omega-3s. These fats are great for your heart. They make salmon a smart choice for healthy meals.
Salmon also gives your body important fatty acids. These help keep you healthy.
High in Protein and Nutrients
Salmon has about 34 grams of protein in each serving. This is more than half of what most adults need. Protein helps fix and grow muscles.
Salmon is also full of vitamins and minerals. It has B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. These nutrients make salmon a great food choice.
| Nutritional Component | Amount per 6-oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 367 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 94mg |
| Sodium | 395mg |
| Potassium | 852mg |
| Vitamin A | 101 IU |
| Iron | 2mg |
Pairing Side Dishes with Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon
Finding the right pairings can make garlic herb crusted salmon even better. The best sides bring out the dish’s rich flavors and add nutrition. Here are some great side dishes that go well with salmon.
Vegetables That Complement the Dish
There are many vegetables that go well with salmon. Roasted veggies like zucchini, asparagus, and bell peppers add color and taste. They should be cooked until tender but crisp.
Kale is also a great choice, making salads even better when paired with salmon. It adds texture and nutrition.
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Bell Peppers
- Kale (in Caesar salads)
- Brussels Sprouts
Recommended Starches
For starches, try quinoa, brown rice, or roasted baby Yukon gold potatoes. They soak up the salmon’s flavors and make the meal more filling. Roasted red potatoes or creamy garlic mashed potatoes add comfort.
Make sure sweet potatoes are the same size for even cooking. This makes them taste even better.
- Quinoa
- Brown Rice
- Roasted Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Roasted Red Potatoes
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Easy Variations of Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon
There are many ways to make Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon your own. Try using thyme or basil instead of parsley for a new taste. Using olive oil instead of butter is a healthy choice that keeps the flavor.
For more texture and taste, add chopped nuts or use whole wheat breadcrumbs. Nuts add crunch and health benefits. Try different cheeses like feta or Parmesan for a special touch.
- Thyme or basil instead of parsley
- Olive oil instead of butter
- Chopped nuts in the breadcrumb topping
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs for added texture
- Feta or Parmesan for a cheesy twist
These changes can make a classic dish even better. They keep the dish’s core but add something new. Trying these ideas can lead to finding new favorite salmon dishes. Enjoy cooking!
Tips for Perfectly Cooking Salmon
Cooking salmon can seem tricky, but it’s easy with the right tips. Here are some great tips to make your salmon delicious. Learning how to pick the best cuts and avoid dry salmon will make you a better cook.
Choosing the Right Salmon Cut
When picking salmon, look at the color and feel. Choose cuts that are deep in color and firm. Wild-caught salmon tastes better and is firmer than farm-raised.
Go for 1-inch thick filets for even cooking. This makes sure your salmon cooks right.
Avoiding Dry Salmon
To keep salmon moist, control the cooking time. Use high heat for a short time. This keeps the fish juicy and tasty.
For the best taste, cook to 135-140°F. Let it rest before serving to reach 145°F. This trick makes your salmon tender and juicy.
Why This Recipe is Ideal for Culinary Enthuasiasts
The Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon recipe is great for those who love cooking. It’s easy to make and looks fancy. You can make a gourmet meal in just 16 minutes.
This recipe uses fresh herbs and tasty ingredients like panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. It makes the salmon taste amazing. You can also try different herbs and sides to keep things interesting.
Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon is also very versatile. It’s perfect for busy people who love to cook. You can serve it with quinoa and Brussels sprouts or try something new. It’s sure to please everyone.
