As the sun sets and the world outside begins to quiet down, I often find myself craving a meal that’s not only nourishing but also bursts with flavor. That’s exactly how I stumbled upon my new favorite quick dinner: Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon. Picture this: tender, flaky salmon enveloped in a golden, crispy crust, infused with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the robust nuttiness of parmesan. The combination creates a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, proving that home-cooked meals need not be time-consuming.
In just 25 minutes, you can whip this up and impress your family or guests. What truly excites me is how effortlessly it pairs with a side of roasted veggies, making it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your weeknight hunger or yearning for something special, this recipe delivers! Join me as we dive into creating this wholesome dinner that elevates your seafood game without any fuss.
Why choose Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon?
Bursting with flavor, this dish brings together the rich taste of parmesan and tangy sun-dried tomatoes atop tender salmon.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthful Ingredients: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, offering a nutritious choice.
- Versatile Side Pairing: Complement with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Impressive Presentation: A beautiful, golden crust that’s sure to wow your dinner guests.
This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can enjoy gourmet cuisine from the comfort of your home!
Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon Ingredients
• Dive into the delightful flavors with these ingredients!
For the Crust
- Wild Salmon Filet – The star of the show; opt for wild for a richer taste.
- Breadcrumbs – Creates the crispy coating; panko offers extra crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory touch and helps achieve that golden crust; freshly grated is best.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Introduces tangy sweetness; use dried to avoid moisture overload.
- Fresh Basil – Brightens the flavor profile; parsley works as a great substitute.
- Garlic – Enhances depth; chop finely for better distribution.
For Cooking
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Moistens and enhances flavors; melted butter can provide a different richness.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to fit your personal taste.
For the Veggies
- Fresh Green Beans – Adds nutrition and color; asparagus or broccoli can be used instead for variety.
Enjoy this Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon recipe as a quick dinner that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking!
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Prepare Breading: In a food processor, blend breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil until everything is well combined.
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Season Salmon: Place the wild salmon filet on the prepared baking sheet. Season it generously with salt and pepper, then coat it with the breading mixture for a luscious crust!
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Add Vegetables: Arrange fresh green beans around the salmon. Drizzle the leftover olive oil over them and season to taste. The beans complement the salmon beautifully!
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Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the green beans are slightly browned. You’ll want the salmon to flake easily.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve the salmon alongside the green beans and any leftover breading mixture for added crunch.
Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon?
Elevate your dinner game with delightful side dishes that perfectly complement the vibrancy of this salmon dish.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth and buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the flaky salmon, balancing flavors perfectly.
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Roasted Asparagus: This crunchy vegetable adds freshness and a light, earthy flavor, enhancing the robust taste of the salmon.
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Garlic Herb Quinoa: Nutty quinoa offers a protein-packed side that’s not only healthy but also wonderfully complements the rich salmon.
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Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the salmon crust.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crispy and caramelized, Brussels sprouts add an addictive crunch that beautifully meshes with the salmon’s delicate flakes.
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White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc offers a crisp, refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the salmon, making for a delightful pairing.
Each option enhances your meal, ensuring that dinner becomes a comforting experience filled with flavors and textures that resonate with family and friends alike!
Make Ahead Options
These Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon filets are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the breading mixture and season the salmon up to 24 hours in advance. Simply blend the breadcrumbs, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent any moisture from affecting the salmon’s quality, keep the seasoned salmon covered separately. When you’re ready to enjoy dinner, just proceed with adding the breading and baking as directed; this will give you delectable results in a fraction of the time! With this method, you can savor a gorgeous, flavorful meal even on the busiest weeknights!
Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe, enhancing both flavor and nutrition to match your preferences!
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Sundried Tomato Swap: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a sweeter, smokier flavor that pairs wonderfully with salmon.
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Herb Twist: Experiment with oregano or thyme instead of basil for a Mediterranean flair that will elevate each bite.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon just before serving; it adds a fresh burst that brightens up the dish beautifully.
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Cheesy Delight: Swap out parmesan for feta cheese in the breading for a tangy, creamy crust that’s sure to please your taste buds.
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Crunch Factor: Try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for an extra crispy texture that adds delightful crunch!
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to your breading mix to bring a gentle heat that makes each bite exciting and flavorful.
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Veggie Variety: Substitute asparagus or broccoli for green beans for an equally vibrant side that offers a different texture.
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Flour Power: Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of breadcrumbs for a low-carb alternative that maintains a delightful crunch.
Enjoy customizing your Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon for a unique flavor adventure every time you make it!
How to Store and Freeze Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon
- Fridge: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to retain its crispiness.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, ensuring it’s warmed through without drying out.
- Avoid Room Temperature: To maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth, do not leave the salmon at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Expert Tips for Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon
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Pat Dry Salmon: Always pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure the crust adheres well and avoids sogginess.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the salmon while baking. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so remove it once it flakes easily with a fork.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
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Customize the Crust: Feel free to add more herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personal touch, but avoid excess liquid to maintain crispiness.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil make a noticeable difference in flavor. Always opt for the freshest options available to enhance your dish.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair your Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon with a squeeze of lemon or a side of quinoa for an extra punch of flavor!
Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sun-dried tomatoes?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose dry sun-dried tomatoes without any added oils or preservatives. Look for vibrant, deep red colors without dark spots. These will add the perfect tangy sweetness to your dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
What is the best way to store leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon?
To store your delicious leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to regain some of that delightful crunch from the crust. I often recommend preheating the oven to 350°F and baking for about 10 minutes to warm it without drying it out.
Can I freeze the Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 20 minutes until it’s warmed through.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Very! To keep your crust crispy, ensure the salmon is patted dry before seasoning. Additionally, use fresh breadcrumbs; if you can, get panko breadcrumbs for extra texture, as they help form a delightful crisp crust. Also, be mindful of cooking times; removing the salmon from the oven just as it starts to flake is key to preserving that beautiful texture.
Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies?
Definitely! While this recipe does contain seafood and dairy, which can be common allergens, it’s easy to customize. To make it dairy-free, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Always ensure that any other ingredients used are safe for your dietary needs to make this a delicious meal for everyone.
Tasty Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon in 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Breading: In a food processor, blend breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil until well combined.
- Season Salmon: Place the wild salmon filet on the prepared baking sheet. Season it generously with salt and pepper, then coat it with the breading mixture.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange fresh green beans around the salmon. Drizzle the leftover olive oil over them and season to taste.
- Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve alongside the green beans.