Description
This Baked Salmon with Mayo recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust in just 13 minutes. Featuring skin-on salmon fillets topped with a creamy mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese mixture, this quick and easy dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. The combination of lemon zest and fresh parsley enhances the salmon’s natural flavors, creating a delightful balance of tanginess and herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fillets Skin-on Salmon (Ensure they’re fresh for best results.)
- 1 spray Non-stick Cooking Spray (Eco-friendly parchment paper can be used instead.)
Topping Mixture
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Opt for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Shredded mozzarella is a great substitute.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Use kosher salt for balanced seasoning.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (Freshly cracked pepper is preferred.)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Consider using mashed capers for tangy flavor.)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Dill can also provide a lovely herbaceous note.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking pan by lightly coating it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Dry the Salmon: Gently pat the skin-on salmon fillets dry using paper towels to ensure the topping adheres well and to help achieve a crispy crust.
- Make the Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and form a smooth, creamy topping.
- Apply Topping to Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking pan. Evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over each fillet, ensuring full coverage. Then, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese generously on top of the mayonnaise layer.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes. Bake until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C), and the Parmesan cheese forms a golden brown, crispy crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or your choice of herbs like dill. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and flavorful topping at its best.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese can be used as an alternative to Parmesan for a different texture.
- Use kosher salt for best seasoning balance.
- Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavor more than pre-ground pepper.
- Lemon zest adds a bright tang, but mashed capers can be used for a unique twist.
- Ensure salmon fillets are dry before topping to achieve a crisp crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
