Lemon Almond Crusted Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Almond Crusted Salmon is a bright and crunchy twist on a classic favorite. The zesty lemon and crunchy almond topping add amazing flavor and texture to tender, flaky salmon fillets. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped or crushed
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Brush lightly with olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a medium shallow bowl, combine chopped almonds, panko breadcrumbs, and lemon zest. Dip each salmon fillet into the mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
3. Step 3: Preheat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan.
4. Step 4: Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden and the salmon is cooked through. Remember the salmon will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salmon to a plate and let it rest for a minute before serving. Pair with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use sliced almonds for a chunkier texture or finely chopped for a more uniform crust.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the almond mixture for a subtle smoky flavor.
• For extra citrus brightness, serve with a wedge of fresh lemon to squeeze over the salmon before eating.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to preserve the crust’s texture. Avoid reheating too long to prevent drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?

Yes, this crust works well with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How do I make sure the crust sticks well to the salmon?

Brushing the salmon with olive oil helps the crust adhere. Press the almond and breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the fish before cooking to create a good seal.

Lemon Almond Crusted Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

This Lemon Almond Crusted Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets coated with a flavorful, crunchy crust of chopped almonds, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh lemon zest. Pan-seared to golden perfection, this dish is quick, healthy, and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the salmon)

Crust

• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped or crushed
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly brush each fillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the crust adhere and to add flavor.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium shallow bowl, combine the chopped almonds, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh lemon zest. Dip each oiled salmon fillet into this mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crust sticks firmly to the fish.
3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the crusted salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Cook each side for about 5 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be mindful that the salmon will continue to cook further during resting.
4. Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Let it rest for one minute to allow juices to redistribute. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh salmon fillets that are about 1 inch thick.
• You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans if preferred.
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Use fresh lemon zest instead of dried for the brightest flavor.
• Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the salmon to get a perfect crust.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain the crust’s crispness.

Keywords: lemon almond crusted salmon, almond crust salmon, panko breadcrumb salmon, pan-seared salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner