Ingredients:
Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
Herb and Caper Crust:
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 1/2 tablespoons capers, drained
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Additional:
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Make Herb and Caper Crust:
- Place the parsley, dill, capers, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red chili pepper flakes in a food processor.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
- Drizzle in olive oil gradually, while pulsing, until the mixture forms a moist, cohesive crust.
Prepare Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Lightly brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Apply Crust:
- Press the top and sides of each salmon fillet into the herb and caper mixture, creating an even coating.
Bake:
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. It should flake easily with a fork and be slightly opaque in the center. Be careful not to overcook.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender fillet.
- Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon.
Tips:
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor. If you only have dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.
- Adjust Crust Thickness: You can make a thicker or thinner crust, depending on preference.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Check for doneness using a fork or an instant-read thermometer (salmon should reach an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees F).
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Herb and Caper Crusted Salmon with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a side salad.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful salmon!
