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Crispy Herb-Crusted Salmon Recipe with Silky Pea Puree

crispy herb-crusted salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring salmon fillets with a crunchy herb crust paired with a smooth, vibrant pea puree. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), skin on
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or vegan buttery spread
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine parsley, thyme, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons olive oil and mix until crumbs are evenly coated and slightly sticky.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add peas and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes if fresh or heated through if frozen. Remove from heat and transfer peas and shallots to a food processor. Add cream (or coconut milk), mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend until silky smooth. Keep warm.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle lemon juice over each fillet.
  4. Press the herb breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top of each salmon fillet, creating an even layer.
  5. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Place salmon fillets crust-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to get a golden, crispy crust. Carefully flip and cook skin-side down for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through but moist inside.
  6. Spoon a generous dollop of pea puree onto plates. Lay a crispy herb-crusted salmon fillet on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh herb sprigs if desired.

Notes

Use wild-caught salmon for better flavor. Fresh herbs are preferred but dried can be used at half quantity. Panko breadcrumbs can be swapped with crushed nuts or gluten-free crackers. Pea puree can be made ahead and reheated gently. Avoid microwaving salmon to keep crust crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, herb crust, pea puree, quick dinner, healthy, easy recipe, gluten-free option, dairy-free option