A happy accident, from-the-pantry recipe developed because there were salmon filets in the freezer and I didn’t want to go to the store. Zesty lemon seasons some panko to make a crunchy breadcrumb topping that crisps right up as the salmon bakes.

Oh —ICYMI, it all bakes up in 10 minutes. And the whole recipe comes together in less than 20. Talk about easy dinner for two that eats like a gourmet one.

Score one for the cook.

Overhead view of two baked salmon fillets topped with a golden breadcrumb and herb crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email and we'll send it right to you!

Some of my best recipes have come from shopping my freezer and pantry! I’m looking at you, risotto that doesn’t need endlessly stirred, which—by the way—would be incredible with this salmon.

I should note that for this recipe I used a farm-raised salmon. A wild salmon would work beautifully as well.

This post contains links to affiliate websites including Amazon. I make a small commission for any purchases made using these links. Thank you!

Baking salmon prep tips

Raw salmon fillets in a bowl surrounded by parsley, a lemon, ground pepper, salt, panko breadcrumbs, garlic cloves, and a bottle of oil on a light countertop.

Be sure to pat the salmon (whether fresh or frozen) as dry as you can with paper towels. And if it’s frozen, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Don’t run it under water to defrost it. You’re just adding more water.

Lay a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan. It makes for easy clean up and helps the salmon release easily instead of baking it directly on the sheet pan.

Drizzle the salmon with a little olive oil and brush it evenly to coat before starting.

Breaded salmon quick dinner process

Two raw salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet being brushed with a black silicone brush.
Brush the salmon with a little olive oil evenly to coat on the top.
A bowl contains chopped parsley, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and lemon zest with a spoon inside.
Add the breadcrumbs to a small bowl and stir in the lemon zest, garlic, parsley and salt. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice and toss until the breadcrumbs are coated with the oil. Set them aside.
Two raw salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking tray, topped with a breadcrumb and herb mixture. Ingredients including pepper, salt, and half a lemon are placed nearby.
Use a small spoon or measuring cup to press on half of the lemon breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to pack and adhere the breadcrumbs to the salmon.
Two baked salmon fillets topped with a golden, herb and breadcrumb crust sit on an angle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the salmon until golden brown. This takes 10 minutes at 425°. So easy, right?

Adjust for serving

Because the breadcrumb mixture is proportioned for two, feel free to adjust to the number of guests you’ll have accordingly.

Menu ideas

Lay the baked salmon on a mound of twirled garlic and butter pasta and serve with a fresh green salad with lemon for a light summer meal!

Made this recipe?

I’d love it if you’d share your review and leave a star rating and comment!

Take me there!
Two baked salmon fillets topped with a golden, crispy herb and breadcrumb crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5 from 1 vote

Ten Minute Panko Baked Salmon for Two

A restaurant-quality dinner for two that will become a weekday staple. Lemon-kissed panko breadcrumbs blanket salmon filets with so much flavor and texture you'll want to serve them every week. It might take you longer to preheat your oven than it does to cook up this crunchy baked salmon!

SAVE THIS RECIPE

Enter your email and we'll send it right to you!

Print RATE PIN
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
 

  • 2 salmon filets, about 6 oz each
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil, plus a little more for brushing the salmon
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic, about 2 large cloves
  • 2 T fresh parsley, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels on both sides. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
    2 salmon filets
  • Mix the breadcrumbs with the oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, parsley and seasoning.
    ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 T fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • Brush a little olive oil on the top of each piece of salmon.
  • Mound ½ of the breadcrumb mixture on top of one piece of salmon. Gently press down to adhere. Repeat with the other piece of salmon.
  • Place into the oven on the center rack. Bake for about 10 minutes until the breadcrumbs are crispy on top and the salmon is flaky in the center.
  • Feel free to squeeze a little more lemon on the salmon after baking.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Author: Lori Murphy
Like this? Leave a commentI love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @josieandnina and #josieandnina!
woman in a red shirt cutting pizza smiling.

About Lori Murphy

Lori has over 30 years in the food industry as a marketing strategist, culinary instructor and chef for three kids with discerning palates. As the chief content creator at Josie + Nina, Lori is dedicated to helping home cooks create food memories through fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.

Read more
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Comment or Ask A Question

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 Comments

  1. It was the Easiet Salmon Dish Ever and Tasty too. Husbnad and I loved It
    and we are Big Fans of Salmon Filets. DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY AT SAME TIME TOO.
    WIN WIN HERE . A KEEPER5 stars

    Reply