Description
A quick and flavorful mayo baked salmon recipe featuring a creamy Parmesan and mayo topping with hints of lemon, garlic, and dill. Perfectly baked then broiled to achieve a deliciously crispy crust while keeping the salmon tender and flaky inside.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2-3 lb whole salmon fillet (or smaller cuts, skin on or off)
Topping Mixture
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and pepper for seasoning salmon fillet
- 5-7 lemon slices
- Optional for serving: lemon wedges and fresh herbs such as dill, scallions, or chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a large baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry thoroughly on all sides using paper towels. Place the fillet on the oiled baking sheet. If using smaller salmon cuts, arrange them evenly on the sheet. Lightly season the salmon with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, dried dill weed, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth topping mixture.
- Apply Topping: Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, evenly spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture over the top surface of the salmon fillet(s), coating completely.
- Add Lemon Slices: Arrange 5-7 lemon slices on top of the mayo mixture, distributing them evenly for flavor infusion during baking.
- Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 9 to 11 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook through and the topping to set.
- Broil for Crispness: Turn on the broiler and broil the salmon for 1 to 2 minutes until the mayo crust develops a golden brown color and becomes slightly crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning. If the topping begins to brown too fast, reduce oven temperature back to 425°F. Use a fork under a lemon slice to check if the salmon is flaky and fully cooked.
- Serve: Slice the salmon and garnish with fresh herbs such as dill, scallions, or chives and optional lemon wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For smaller salmon cuts, arrange them spaced evenly on the baking sheet and follow the same topping and cooking instructions.
- Using full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for richness and flavor.
- If skin is on the salmon, you can choose to remove it before or after baking according to preference.
- Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the topping.
- Fresh herbs garnish adds a pop of freshness and enhances the presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
