Crispy Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon Easy Recipe

Name: Crispy Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 thick salmon fillets (6 ounces each); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons honey mustard; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley; 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Posted on January 6, 2026

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Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary revelation that transforms humble fish into a crispy, golden masterpiece. This dish has rightfully earned its place as a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleasing favorite, and for good reason. What truly sets Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon apart is that incredible textural contrast – the delicate, flaky salmon underneath is perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of the panko breadcrum extractbs. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and delightfully sophisticated. Imagin extracte biting into that savory, seasoned crust, only to discover the moist, succulent salmon within. It’s a simple pleasure, yet so incredibly rewarding, making it a go-to for busy evenings when you crave something both healthy and utterly delicious without compromising on taste or presentation. The ease of preparation also adds to its charm, proving that gourmet-quality meals are achievable for everyone.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons extra virgin extract olive oil
4 thick salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons honey mustard (or sweet-hot mustard)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2/3 cup Panko breadcrum extractbs
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Preparing the Salmon

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

The first step in creating our delicious Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon is to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This moderate-high heat is perfect for cooking the salmon through without drying it out, while also ensuring that crispy panko crust develops beautifully. While the oven is heating, take a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a welcome bonus! If you don’t have parchment paper, a light greasing of the baking sheet with a little extra olive oil will also work to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Oil the Salmon Fillets

Next, we’ll prepare the star of our dish: the salmon fillets. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear or crust, as moisture will prevent browning and crisping. Once dry, place the salmon fillets onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between each one. Drizzle the 4 teaspoons of egin extracta virgin olive oil evenly over the top of each fillet. Then, generously season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure to season both sides if possible, but at least the top surface that will be facing upwards.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Mustard Layer

Now, let’s build some flavor for our salmon. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of honey mustard (or your chosen sweet-hot mustard) with the 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme. Give this mixture a good stir to ensure the thyme is evenly distributed throughout the mustard. This herbaceous and slightly sweet mustard mixture will act as a binder for our panko topping and infuse the salmon with a wonderful taste as it bakes. Using a spoon or a pastry brush, spread this mustard mixture evenly over the top of each seasoned salmon fillet. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the fillet with a nice, even layer.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Panko Crust

This is where we achieve that signature crunch! In another small bowl, combine the 2/3 cup of Pankrum extractreadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed. rum extract Panko breadcrumbs will provide an incredibly light and crispy texture, the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note, and the paprika contributes a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the crust. Gently press this Panko mixture onto the mustard-coated salmon fillets. You want to create a nice, trum extractk layer of the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it adheres well to the mustard. Don’t be afraid to pack it down slightly so it sticks.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

With our salmon fillets prepped and ready, it’s time to bake. Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. We’ll bake the salmon for approximately 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your oven’s calibration. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the Panko crust is a beautiful golden brown and appears crisp. If you like your crust a little darker, you can always switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it very closely to prevent burning. Allow the salmon to rest for a minute or two on the baking sheet before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your delicious and perfectly Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon is ready to be enjoyed. We hope you found this recipe straightforward and rewarding. The crispy, golden panko topping combined with the flaky, tender salmon creates a truly satisfying meal that’s both healthy and flavorful. This Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic go-to for weeknight dinners or more special occasions.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon with a fresh lemon-dill sauce, a side of roasted asparagus, or a creamy quinoa pilaf. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a lighter option.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to your panko mixture for an extra kick, or even sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. For a touch of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper in the panko breadcrum extractbs is a delightful addition. We encourage you to experiment and make this Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How can I ensure the panko topping stays crispy?

To ensure a perfectly crispy panko topping on your Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon, make sure your salmon is patted dry before applying the binder (like olive oil or mayonnaise) and the panko. This helps prevent excess moisture from making thrum extractreadcrumbs soggy. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Baking at the recommended temperature allows the panko to toast nicely.

Q2: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for salmon, you can certainly adapt it for other firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia. Adjust the baking time as needed, as thinner fillets will cook faster. The key is to look for visual cues of doneness, such as opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. The panko crust will add a lovely texture regardless of the fish you choose for your Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon variation.