Fluffy Golden Panko Salmon: Ina Garten’s Magical Dinner Recipe

Seafood lovers rejoice as this panko-crusted salmon recipe from Ina Garten delivers a crispy, mouthwatering experience that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

The delicate fish gets a golden, crunchy exterior that seals in all its natural juices and flavors.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of textures that dance across your palate.

Fresh salmon fillets become an elegant meal with just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

The panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp, golden, and utterly delicious, this recipe turns an everyday salmon dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast.

Get ready to impress and enjoy a meal that’s both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy Japanese-style crumbs that create a light, airy golden crust with unbeatable texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, herbal freshness and vibrant green color to the coating.
• Lemon Zest: Brings zesty citrus notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the panko mixture and creates a golden, crispy exterior.

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich, buttery flavor and omega-3 benefits.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy base that helps panko adhere and adds depth to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances natural flavors and seasons the fish perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the salmon's taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures perfect searing and prevents sticking in the pan.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps rest the salmon and retain moisture during resting period.
• Lemon Wedges: Bright, acidic garnish that cuts through the richness of the salmon.

Essential Tools for Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon

• Cast-iron skillet or heavy ovenproof pan: Essential for searing and baking salmon with perfect golden crust.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing salmon fillets and seasoning.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing panko topping ingredients.
• Brush: Great for applying Dijon mustard evenly on salmon.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise salt and pepper seasoning.
• Aluminum foil: Used to loosely cover salmon while resting.
• Knife: Useful for zesting lemon and chopping parsley.
• Spatula: Helpful for transferring salmon between stovetop and oven.

Cooking Method for Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon

Panko Salmon Sensation

• Oven Readiness

Set your oven to a sizzling 425°F. This high temperature ensures a crispy, golden exterior that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Crunchy Coating Prep

Blend panko breadcrumbs with fresh herbs, zesty lemon essence, and a sprinkle of seasoning. A quick olive oil drizzle transforms these crumbs into a magical crisp topping.

• Salmon Canvas

Lay salmon fillets with their skin facing down. Spread a generous layer of tangy Dijon mustard across the top, then crown with the herbed panko mixture, pressing gently to create a gorgeous crust.

• Searing Magic

Heat a cast-iron skillet with a splash of oil. Gently place salmon skin-side down, letting it sizzle and develop a beautiful golden color for 3-4 minutes without disturbing.

• Oven Finishing

Slide the skillet into the hot oven. Bake until the salmon is just cooked and the panko turns a gorgeous golden brown, roughly 5-7 minutes.

• Resting Moment

Remove from heat, tent with foil, and let the salmon relax for a few minutes. This helps retain those delicious juices and ensures perfect texture.

• Serving Flourish

Present your masterpiece with fresh lemon wedges, ready to brighten each delectable bite.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon

• Swap fresh herbs like dill or chives for parsley, or add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko mixture for extra flavor depth.
• Choose wild-caught salmon for richer taste and better nutritional profile. Fresh, firm fillets with vibrant color guarantee the best results.
• Apply Dijon mustard evenly and generously to create a delicious flavor barrier between fish and crust. Use whole grain mustard for added texture and complexity.
• Check salmon's doneness by gently pressing center – it should be slightly translucent and flake easily. Thinner fillets might require shorter cooking periods.
• Replace cast-iron skillet with nonstick pan or baking sheet if needed. Adjust heat and cooking time accordingly to maintain crispy panko crust.

How to Serve Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon Beautifully

• Plate with Fresh Greens: Create a vibrant base by spreading crisp mixed salad greens or baby spinach as a colorful foundation for the golden-brown salmon.
• Garnish with Citrus Brightness: Scatter fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley around the salmon to enhance its zesty flavor and add a pop of freshness.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, herbed quinoa, or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich, crispy salmon with clean, complementary textures.
• Drizzle with Sauce Accent: Add a delicate white wine butter sauce or a quick yogurt-dill dressing over the salmon to elevate its mustard and panko coating with an elegant finishing touch.

Store & Reheat Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the fish away from other strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm salmon gently in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Prepare panko mixture and season salmon up to 4 hours before cooking. Keep covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking for best results.

Crispy Ina Garten Panko-crusted Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panko-crusted salmon brings elegant simplicity to seafood preparation with crisp herbed breadcrumbs. Fresh ingredients and classic French techniques deliver a delightful meal you can confidently serve at sophisticated gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (170 to 227 g), skin on
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps good olive oil
• ⅔ cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
• 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C, positioning rack in center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Panko Coating: Combine panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until crumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened.
3. Salmon Preparation: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a clean surface. Brush generously with Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Press panko mixture firmly onto mustard-glazed surface, creating an even, crisp layer.
4. Searing: Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, searing for 3–4 minutes to develop a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Roasting and Resting: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 5–7 minutes until salmon is nearly cooked through and panko topping turns golden-brown. Remove from oven, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
6. Serving: Plate warm salmon and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, thick salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal odor for the best taste and texture.
• Perfect Mustard Layer: Apply Dijon mustard evenly as a flavor-enhancing binding agent for the panko crust, creating a tangy base that helps breadcrumbs adhere.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Watch carefully during searing and baking to prevent overcooking, ensuring salmon remains moist and tender with a crispy exterior.
• Rest for Juiciness: Allow salmon to rest after cooking, letting internal juices redistribute and maintaining a succulent, flaky consistency throughout the fillet.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg