Baked Salmon with Dijon-Herb Crust

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz each
• Salt, pepper
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, minced
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Lemon wedges

Method

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Crust: Mix Dijon and honey, spread over the top of each fillet. Combine panko, herbs, and melted butter. Press onto the mustard layer.
3. Bake: 400°F for 12–15 min until the crust is golden and the salmon is just opaque in the center (130°F for medium).
4. Serve with lemon wedges.

What You're Practicing

• Mustard as a "glue" for the crust — it also adds flavor and helps the fish stay moist
• Panko crust: the large, flaky crumbs create a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs
• Baking fish: hands-off, forgiving, hard to mess up
• This is a great beginner fish recipe — low risk, high reward