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This garlic knot salmon changed my weeknight dinner game forever. In just 20 minutes, tender salmon transforms under a blanket of crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs and melty parmesan. I started making it for quick family dinners, but now it's my go-to when friends come over—everyone thinks I spent hours in the kitchen.
Why Everyone Loves This
The magic happens when garlic butter meets parmesan and crispy breadcrumbs on top of perfectly cooked salmon. Simple ingredients turn into something that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Clean up takes minutes since everything roasts on one pan. I love recipes that look impressive but keep things easy in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- The Good Butter: 4 tablespoons of real butter—no substitutes here; it makes all the difference in flavor and richness.
- Fresh Flavors: 3 cloves of garlic, grated right before cooking, and a handful of bright fresh parsley.
- The Crunch: Light, airy panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan create that perfect crispy topping.
- Star of the Show: 4 beautiful salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each—make sure they're completely thawed if frozen.
- Final Touches: Good kosher salt and fresh lemon wedges bring everything together.
Let's Cook
- Get Started
- Crank your oven to 425°F, grab your biggest baking dish—make sure those fillets have room to breathe.
- Butter Magic
- Melt that beautiful butter, mix in your fresh garlic, split it between two bowls—one for the fish, one for topping.
- Make It Crispy
- Stir panko and parmesan into one bowl of garlic butter until it looks like wet sand.
- Build Those Fillets
- Pat your salmon super dry, season with salt, brush with garlic butter, then pile on that crispy topping.
- Into The Oven
- Let them roast 12-16 minutes until they hit that perfect 135°F inside. Finish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
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Kitchen Secrets
Always start with evenly sized salmon pieces—they'll cook at the same rate. Really pack that breadcrumb mixture on top; nobody wants it falling off mid-bite. I use a meat thermometer to hit that perfect 135°F every time. Pat those fillets dry before anything else touches them—seasonings stick better, and you'll get better browning.
What Goes With It
This salmon loves company. Sometimes I roast vegetables right alongside it; other nights it sits pretty on top of creamy mashed potatoes. A bright green salad makes everything feel light and fresh. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing garlic butter that pools on the plate—pure heaven.
Saving For Later
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container—they'll stay good in the fridge for three days. Warm them gently in a 300°F oven or quick bursts in the microwave—just don't overdo it. Sometimes I flake the cold leftovers over salad for lunch or toss them into pasta—makes meal prep feel fancy.
Switch Things Up
This recipe works magic on other fish too—try it with cod or halibut. Some nights I swap the parsley for fresh dill or throw in some chives. Want some heat? Add chili flakes to your breadcrumbs. Got gluten-free friends? Use those special breadcrumbs instead of panko—works just as beautifully.
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Make It Yours
Play with the flavors—add smoky paprika to the breadcrumbs or drizzle honey over the fish before baking. Try different cheeses—swap in nutty asiago or rich gruyere. That's the fun part about cooking—making each recipe your own. My sister adds lemon zest to her breadcrumbs, my neighbor doubles the garlic—everyone puts their own spin on it, and they're all delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's ideal salmon temperature?
135°F for medium doneness. Use thermometer to check thickest part. Cooking time varies with fillet thickness.
- → Why pat salmon dry?
Removing moisture helps breadcrumbs stick better and ensures crispy topping.
- → Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, place skin-side down in dish. Skin helps keep fish moist during cooking.
- → Why press breadcrumbs lightly?
Light pressure helps topping stick while cooking. Too much pressure will compress and prevent crispiness.
- → What if breadcrumbs fall off?
Simply scoop up and pile back on top before baking. They'll stick better once the butter melts.
Conclusion
A simple and delicious salmon recipe featuring a crispy Parmesan-panko topping, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.