Herb-Crusted Salmon
38 min · 6 steps
Medium: 31–60 min or 7–12 steps
About this dish
A Dijon-and-tarragon paste does double duty here: it seasons the fish and welds a golden herb breadcrumb crust directly to the flesh, so it stays anchored through cooking rather than sliding off at the table. A quick sear on the skin first, then a hot roast, and the crust turns deeply fragrant and crisp.
Allergy Info
Dairy, Gluten, Mustard, Fish
Diet Info
Pescatarian
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- Flat-leaf parsleyleaves, finely chopped25 g
- Fresh tarragonleaves, finely chopped15 g
- Fresh chivesfinely chopped10 g
- Lemonzest finely grated, then cut into wedges for serving1 whole
- Garlic clovesminced2 cloves
Fish & Seafood
- Salmon filletsskin-on, pin-boned, patted dry4 fillets (180g each)
Dairy & Eggs
- Unsalted buttermelted40 g
Dried Goods
- Fresh white breadcrumbs80 g
Spices & Seasonings
- Flaky sea salt1 tsp
- Black pepperfreshly ground1/2 tsp
Oils & Condiments
- Dijon mustard2 tbsp
- Whole-grain mustard1 tbsp
- Runny honey1 tsp
- Olive oil2 tbsp
Utensils
- Large ovenproof skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Thin spatula
Method
Combine the Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard and honey in a small bowl and stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, tarragon, chives, lemon zest, garlic and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture clumps slightly when pressed.
Season the salmon fillets on both sides with flaky salt and black pepper. Brush the flesh side of each fillet generously with the mustard mixture, then press a firm, even layer of the herb breadcrumb mixture onto the mustard-coated flesh, compacting it lightly with your palm to adhere.
Transfer the crusted fillets to a tray, cover loosely, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the crust to set and bond.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan / 425°F). Place a large ovenproof skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers and just begins to smoke, carefully lay the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3 minutes until the skin is rendered and golden and releases cleanly from the pan.
Transfer the skillet to the hot oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, until the herb crust is deep golden and fragrant. Insert a meat thermometer through the crust into the thickest part of the fish to confirm it reads 63°C.
Rest the fillets in the pan for 2 minutes, then lift onto warmed plates using a thin spatula to keep the crust intact. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.