Herb-Crusted Salmon for Valentine’s Day Dinner

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner that’s both impressive and easy to make? This herb-crusted salmon recipe is your answer! Imagine serving a beautifully baked salmon, infused with fresh herbs and savory Parmesan, all ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon that’s sure to impress your loved one.

Why You’ll Love This Herb-Crusted Salmon for Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipe

This isn’t just another salmon recipe. It’s designed to be quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, with a special twist that elevates the flavor profile.

The Dijon Secret: A thin layer of Dijon mustard adds a tangy zest that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon and the savory Parmesan cheese.

Crust Perfection: The Dijon also acts as a fantastic “glue,” helping the herb crust adhere beautifully to the salmon, ensuring a gorgeous presentation.

Quick and Easy: Even on a busy weeknight, you can whip this up without stress. The active cooking time is minimal, making it perfect for a romantic night in.

Impressive Presentation: This herb-crusted salmon looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen, making it ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, this dish is as good for you as it is delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 salmon filet (about 2 pounds, left whole)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let’s talk ingredients! Here are a few notes and substitutions to help you customize this recipe to your liking.

Salmon: You can use either wild or farmed salmon. Wild salmon is often praised for its richer flavor and leaner texture, while farmed salmon tends to be more readily available and affordable. Look for sustainably sourced options. Skin-on or skin-off is a matter of preference, but I find that skin-on salmon helps retain moisture during baking.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and melting properties. If you’re feeling adventurous, Pecorino Romano offers a similar, but stronger, flavor.

Herbs: Fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant flavor. However, if you only have dried parsley on hand, use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.

Mustard: While Dijon mustard is my go-to for this recipe, you can experiment with other mustards like whole grain mustard for a slightly different flavor profile. The key is to use a mustard with a bit of tang to balance the richness of the salmon. You can learn more about the different types of mustard and their uses.

Garlic: I strongly recommend fresh garlic, minced finely. Garlic powder lacks the pungent flavor and aroma that fresh garlic brings to the dish.

How to Make Herb-Crusted Salmon

Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Here’s how!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425º F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Initial Bake

Place the salmon, skin side down, onto the lined baking sheet. Cover the salmon with another piece of parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes. Covering the salmon helps it steam and cook evenly, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully remove the top piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the top of the salmon. Then, evenly distribute the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese mixture over the mustard layer. At this point, the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs will fill your kitchen!

Step 4: Final Bake

Return the baking sheet to the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 5 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned, the baked salmon flakes easily with a fork, and the salmon registers 135º F (57°C) when checked with an internal thermometer probe. The golden-brown cheese and flaky salmon are visual cues that it’s ready!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the salmon to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Salmon Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right salmon and prepping it correctly are key to a great dish.

Wild vs. Farmed Salmon: Wild salmon, like Sockeye, King, or Coho, generally has a deeper color and richer flavor due to its natural diet. Farmed salmon, often Atlantic salmon, is typically more affordable and readily available. Consider sustainability when making your choice; look for certifications that indicate responsible fishing or farming practices.

Freshness Matters: When selecting salmon, look for flesh that is vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and has a fresh, clean smell. Avoid salmon that looks dull or smells overly fishy.

Preparing Your Filet: Before cooking, check for pin bones. You can easily remove these using tweezers or pliers. Simply run your fingers along the surface of the filet to locate them and gently pull them out. Patting the salmon dry with paper towels before adding the mustard and herb crust is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust. Skin-on provides additional flavor and helps keep the salmon moist as it cooks. You can remove the skin after cooking if preferred, but skin-on salmon will be easier to work with.

If you’re unsure how to properly prepare salmon, resources like this guide on preparing salmon can be helpful.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your herb-crusted salmon is a success!

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the salmon: Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 135°F (57°C) for perfectly cooked salmon. Overcooked salmon is dry and tough.
• Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese: This will provide the best flavor and melting properties.
• Mince the garlic finely: This prevents it from burning in the oven.
• Pat the salmon dry: Before adding the mustard and herb crust for a crispier result.
• Adjust baking time: Based on the thickness of the salmon filet. Thicker filets will require a slightly longer baking time.
• Ensure even mustard coverage: This is key to even flavor distribution and a well-adhered crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the salmon: Resulting in dry and tough fish.
• Using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese: Which doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated.
• Burning the garlic: By using large pieces or high heat.
• Not patting the salmon dry: Leading to a soggy crust.
• Skipping the resting period: Causing the juices to run out when slicing.

Serving & Storage

Here are some ideas for serving and storing your delicious herb-crusted salmon.

Serving Ideas

Complement your herb-crusted salmon with these delicious side dishes:

• Roasted asparagus with garlic butter
• Quinoa or rice pilaf
• Green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Skillet Zucchini
• Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus Recipe
• Instant Pot Brown Rice

Are you looking for some hearty sides? Why not try a loaded potato soup recipe?

• Slow Cooker Green Beans
• Ratatouille

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

For a perfect wine pairing, serve with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Gently reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the salmon.

The herb crust can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can save you time on the day of cooking.

If you are preparing for Valentine’s dinner you might also like to try spiced chocolate and cardamom dessert.

Conclusion

This herb-crusted salmon recipe is a guaranteed hit, especially with the tangy flavor boost from the Dijon mustard. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Don’t be afraid to customize it with your favorite herbs or cheeses. Print this recipe and share it with your loved ones!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Q: What is the best temperature to cook salmon in the oven?

A: 425°F (220°C) is ideal for this recipe.

Q: How do you know when baked salmon is done?

A: It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).

Q: What to serve with this baked salmon?

A: Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad are all great options. A 7 layer salad could be amazing!

Q: How long does baked salmon last?

A: It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can you use dried parsley instead of fresh?

A: Yes, but use 1 tablespoon dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.

Q: What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

A: Sockeye, King, or Coho salmon are all good choices.

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