Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon

Make great use of salmon fillets or steaks with this panko-crusted baked salmon recipe. Coat the salmon in honey mustard and bread it with panko for an easy salmon dinner.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated August 13, 2021
Elise Bauer
Panko-crusted Salmon
Elise Bauer

Panko is a Japanese type of breadcrumb that is especially light and crunchy, popular with chefs because it doesn't get soggy.

What I love about this way of preparing salmon is that the panko topping seems to hold in the salmon's moisture while roasting, so the salmon doesn't get dried out at all.

Some honey mustard spread over the top of the fillets provides the "glue" that holds the seasoned panko on to the fillets.

The result? Salmon that is perfectly tender, flakey, and seasoned. And it takes less than 30 minutes to make!

This recipe comes by way of my friend and neighbor Evie Lieb, who is a pastry chef, baker, and cooking teacher. This is one of her favorite recipes that she shared with a cooking class I attended.

Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon on a platter
Elise Bauer
Featured Video

What Other Fish Can Be Used With This Topping?

After trying this topping with salmon, give it a try on these other types of fish:

  • Mahi mahi
  • Sea bass
  • Cod
  • Tilapia
  • Bluefish
  • Orange roughy
  • Red snapper

Can I Use Other Breadcrumbs for This Salmon?

You can use plain, store-bought breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs for this recipe, but they won't be as crispy as panko.

How to Reheat Breaded Salmon

This dish is best eaten right away, but you can store leftovers, covered tightly, in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.

Place the salmon on a baking sheet, tent with foil to help prevent it from drying out, and reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F until just heated through.

Great Side Dishes for Crusted Salmon

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Panko-Crusted Baked Salmon

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 14 mins
Total Time 24 mins
Servings 4 servings

Recipe courtesy of our friend, chef Evie Lieb.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 thick salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoons honey mustard or sweet-hot mustard

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method

  1. Preheat the oven:

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (convection or regular). Set the salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet skin-side-down. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    panko-crusted-salmon-method-600-1
    Elise Bauer
  2. Make the seasoned mustard and panko topping:

    In a small bowl, combine the honey mustard and 1 teaspoon of the thyme. In another small bowl, mix the panko with the remaining 1 teaspoon of thyme, 4 teaspoons of olive oil, parsley, and paprika. Add salt and pepper (a light sprinkle).

    panko-crusted-salmon-method-600-2
    Elise Bauer
  3. Top the salmon with mustard and panko:

    Using a small spoon, spread the mustard mixture on the salmon; top with the bread crumb mixture.

    panko-crusted-salmon-method-600-3
    Elise Bauer
    panko-crusted-salmon-method-600-4
    Elise Bauer
  4. Roast the salmon and serve:

    Roast the salmon for 12-14 minutes (test after 10 minutes), or until it is almost completely firm to the touch and flakes when poked with a fork. Serve at once.

    panko-crusted-salmon-method-600-5
    Elise Bauer
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
881 Calories
53g Fat
15g Carbs
81g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 881
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 53g 67%
Saturated Fat 10g 49%
Cholesterol 226mg 75%
Sodium 463mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 81g
Vitamin C 16mg 82%
Calcium 93mg 7%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 1424mg 30%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.