Tonight’s the perfect evening to make Herb Crusted Salmon. The weather’s just right for a cozy dinner with a friend. While my go-to has been Honey Glazed Salmon, tonight I’m feeling inspired to try something fresher, incorporating dill and fresh herbs to elevate the dish.
Contents
Herb Crusted Salmon recipe
Herb Crusted Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish that features salmon fillets topped with a crispy mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, and lemon. The salmon is baked until tender and flaky, resulting in a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
This dish is perfect for casual family dinners or more formal occasions due to its elegant presentation and delightful flavors. Here is how to make the salmon with a herb crust – a fantastic dinner!
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Dill Sauce
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dill sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper for the crust.
- Rub salmon fillets with olive oil and coat with the herb mixture.
- Place fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily.
- While salmon is baking, mix all the dill sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve the baked crusted salmon with a dollop of dill sauce on top.
Variations
1. Nutty Herb Crust
- Ingredients: Panko breadcrumbs with crushed nuts (such as hazelnuts, pistachios, or pine nuts).
- Method: Add crushed nuts to the breadcrumbs for a crunchy, nutty layer that pairs well with salmon.
2. Spicy Herb Crust
- Ingredients: Breadcrumbs with diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Method: Include jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the mix for a spicy kick, ideal for heat lovers.
3. Citrus Herb Crust
- Ingredients: Fresh herbs mixed with lemon or orange zest.
- Method: Mix citrus zest with herbs to add brightness, perfect for light and refreshing summer meals.
4. Creamy Herb Topping
- Ingredients: Mayonnaise or sour cream mixed with herbs.
- Method: Spread a thin layer of herbed mayonnaise or sour cream over the salmon before the breadcrumbs, adding richness and moisture.
5. Asian-Inspired Herb Crust
- Ingredients: Soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds are added to the herb mixture.
- Method: Mix soy, ginger, and sesame for an Asian-inspired flavor, giving an exciting twist to the traditional herb crust.
6. Mediterranean Twist
- Ingredients: Mediterranean herbs (like oregano and basil) with crumbled feta cheese.
- Method: Use oregano, basil, and feta for a tangy, Mediterranean flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.
7. Whole Side of Salmon: Use a whole side of salmon with any herb crust variation for an impressive, shareable dish, perfect for special occasions.
Pairing suggestions
Wine Selections
– White Wine pairing enhances salmon flavors through complementary characteristics:
Wine Type | Flavor Profile | Best With |
Chablis | Mineral, Crisp | Classic Herb Crust |
Viognier | Floral, Rich | Mediterranean Style |
Grüner Veltliner | Pepper, Citrus | Spicy Variations |
– Light Red Wines offer unexpected harmony through subtle tannin structure:
- Pinot Noir: Earthy notes complement herbs
- Gamay: Fruit-forward profile balances crust
- Light Grenache: Spice notes enhance herbs
Side Dish Recommendations
1. Vegetable pairings enhance the dining experience through complementary textures and flavors.
Vegetable | Preparation Method | Complementary Element |
Asparagus | Oven-roasted | Lemon zest finish |
Haricots Verts | Steam-blanched | Herb butter accent |
Roasted Fennel | Caramelized | Orange segment garnish |
Brussels Sprouts | Pan-seared | Balsamic reduction |
2. Salad: Fresh salads contribute brightness through contrasting textures and temperatures.
- Arugula Salad: Lightly tossed with lemon juice and olive oil, adding a fresh contrast to the salmon.
- Mediterranean Rice: A flavorful, herb-infused side that complements the salmon’s taste.
3. Grain and Starch Options: Grain accompaniments provide foundational support through textural contrast and absorption. My tested combinations include:
- Classic Options
- Wild rice pilaf with herbs
- Quinoa with roasted garlic
- Farro with preserved lemon
- Couscous with pine nuts
- Modern Alternatives
- Cauliflower rice (low-carb)
- Ancient grain medley
- Black rice with sesame
- Barley risotto
The perfect grain pairing depends on sauce interaction through absorption capacity:
Grain Type | Sauce Compatibility | Texture Profile |
Wild Rice | Light cream sauces | Firm, separate |
Quinoa | Herb vinaigrettes | Fluffy, distinct |
Farro | Rich reductions | Chewy, wholesome |
Couscous | Oil-based sauces | Light, delicate |
Sauce Pairings
1. Light Cream Sauces complement herb crusted salmon through richness balance:
Sauce Type | Base Components | Finishing Elements |
Lemon Cream | Reduced cream, citrus | Fresh herbs, zest |
Herb Velouté | Fish stock, roux | Mixed herbs, butter |
Champagne Cream | Reduced champagne, cream | Chives, caviar |
2. Herb-Based Sauces intensify flavor profiles through aromatic reinforcement:
- Classic Herb Oils
- Basil-infused olive oil
- Tarragon emulsion
- Chive oil drizzle
- Contemporary Fusions
- Herb-citrus vinaigrette
- Green goddess adaptation
- Herb-mustard emulsion
3. Citrus Accompaniments: Citrus elements provide brightness through acid balance:
- Traditional Options:
- Lemon butter sauce
- Orange reduction
- Grapefruit beurre blanc
- Modern Interpretations:
- Yuzu vinaigrette
- Preserved lemon relish
- Citrus-herb oil