Description
A quick and delicious baked salmon recipe featuring a creamy mayonnaise and parmesan cheese topping, seasoned with lemon zest, salt, and pepper, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a nutritious and elegant meal ready in just 13 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon and Topping
- 2 lbs skin-on salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lightly grease a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the salmon does not stick.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine the salt, ground black pepper, lemon zest, and mayonnaise, stirring well to blend all flavors.
- Arrange the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down evenly spaced on the prepared baking pan.
- Apply the topping: Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring full coverage. Then sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the mayo layer.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the topping is slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese delivers superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Do not overbake as salmon cooks quickly and can become dry.
- Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for added zest at the table.
- This recipe is suitable for quick weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining.
