This zesty panko crusted salmon and asparagus recipe is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is sure to impress. The crunchiness of the panko crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, flaky salmon, while the zesty seasoning adds a burst of flavor. The asparagus provides a crisp, fresh contrast, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.
The zesty spice blend might not be a staple in every pantry. It's usually a mix of various spices like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and more. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, feel free to make your own or use any seasoning blend that has a bit of a kick. Panko breadcrumbs are a type of flaky breadcrumb, usually found in the Asian aisle. They are lighter and create a crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus Ingredients
olive oil: A healthy cooking fat that adds a gentle flavor to the salmon and asparagus.
zesty seasoning blend: This gives the salmon a kick of flavor. If unavailable, you can make your own by blending some common spices.
panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs have a light, airy texture that helps create a deliciously crispy crust on the salmon.
eggs: They work as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
salmon fillets: High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it's the star of this recipe.
asparagus: This green vegetable adds a nutritious element and a nice crunch.
One reader, Elisha Kish says:
This zesty panko-crusted salmon and asparagus recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the crispy texture of the salmon is just divine. The asparagus complements the dish beautifully. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and healthy meal.
Mastering the Techniques for Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
How to prepare the panko-crusted salmon and asparagus: This technique involves coating the salmon fillets in egg and then in the zesty bread crumb mixture, as well as tossing the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
How to bake the panko-crusted salmon and asparagus: This technique involves preheating the oven to 400°F, baking the salmon and asparagus for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden, and then broiling for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are a dark golden brown.
How To Make Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon And Asparagus
Flaky, zesty, and filling, these baked panko-crusted salmon fillets are paired with tender asparagus for a classic veggie and fish combo that never fails.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspolive oil,divided
- 1pkgtasty zesty spice blend
- ¾cuppanko breadcrumbs,(85 g)
- 2large eggs
- 4salmon fillets,boneless, skinless
- 1lbasparagus,(455 g)
- 1½tspkosher salt,plus more to taste
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the zesty seasoning and bread crumbs. In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs.
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Coat the salmon fillets in the egg, then the bread crumb mixture. Lay the salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
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In another medium bowl, toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay asparagus beside the salmon.
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Drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil, then season with more salt to taste.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the salmon and asparagus are slightly golden. Switch the oven to broil and toast for 10 to 12 minutes until the breadcrumbs are a dark golden brown.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1011.90kcal
- Fat: 66.15g
- Saturated Fat: 14.31g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 23.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 16.99g
- Carbohydrates: 12.69g
- Fiber: 2.83g
- Sugar: 2.59g
- Protein: 87.60g
- Cholesterol: 310.80mg
- Sodium: 993.29mg
- Calcium: 100.50mg
- Potassium: 1706.11mg
- Iron: 4.43mg
- Vitamin A: 83.19µg
- Vitamin C: 21.79mg
Expert Advice: Technique Tip for Perfecting Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
To ensure your salmon fillets and asparagus cook evenly, try to choose salmon fillets that are roughly the same size and thickness. Similarly, when selecting asparagus, opt for spears that are similar in thickness. This will ensure that all components of your dish are ready at the same time, preventing over or undercooking. Additionally, when coating the salmon in the panko breadcrumb mixture, press the breadcrumbs onto the salmon to help them adhere better, creating a more robust crust.
Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing This Zesty Salmon and Asparagus Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and season the asparagus and salmon the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan meal: Make it a complete meal by adding some diced potatoes to the baking sheet for a convenient and delicious one-pan dinner.
Double batch: Make extra panko-crusted salmon and asparagus to enjoy as leftovers for a quick and easy lunch the next day.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly blend the zesty spice blend and panko breadcrumbs for a faster prep time.
Broil for a crispy finish: Instead of waiting for the oven to preheat, broil the salmon and asparagus for a quick and crispy finish.
Substitute Ingredients For Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon And Asparagus Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
zesty spice blend - Substitute with Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning can provide a similar zesty and flavorful kick to the dish, adding a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crispy texture and golden brown color when used as a coating for the salmon.
eggs - Substitute with mashed avocado: Mashed avocado can act as a binding agent and provide a creamy texture, serving as a suitable egg replacement for coating the salmon.
salmon fillets - Substitute with arctic char fillets: Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be used as a substitute for asparagus, providing a similar crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick and depth of flavor similar to black pepper in this recipe.
Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Tips for Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the panko-crusted salmon fillets and asparagus on the plate with precision and attention to detail, ensuring a visually appealing presentation.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize colorful garnishes such as microgreens or edible flowers to add a pop of color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Focus on symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish in a symmetrical and balanced manner, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious presentation.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to highlight the main components of the dish, allowing them to stand out and capture attention.
- Employ artistic drizzling: Incorporate artistic drizzles of sauce around the plate to add a touch of elegance and finesse to the overall presentation.
- Consider the plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the dish, ensuring that it provides ample space for the salmon and asparagus while allowing the presentation to shine.
- Add a touch of edible gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, delicately place edible gold leaf on the dish to elevate its visual appeal and create a sense of indulgence.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Medium bowl: Used for mixing ingredients and tossing vegetables.
- Whisk: A utensil used for beating and mixing ingredients together.
- Spatula: A tool used for flipping and turning the salmon fillets.
- Tongs: Used for handling and turning the asparagus while baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Baking dish: Used for baking and serving the salmon and asparagus.
Preserving Freshness: Storing and Freezing Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
Let the salmon and asparagus cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the panko breadcrumbs soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled salmon and asparagus in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
If you want to freeze the salmon and asparagus:
- Wrap each salmon fillet individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped salmon fillets in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- For the asparagus, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the blanched asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the asparagus to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer.
Frozen panko-crusted salmon and asparagus will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the salmon and asparagus in the refrigerator overnight.
- For the salmon, place it on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the panko breadcrumbs are crispy again.
- For the asparagus, reheat them in the oven alongside the salmon for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Reviving Leftovers: How to Reheat Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top to help keep the fish moist and prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
- Cover the baking sheet loosely with another piece of aluminum foil to create a tent. This will help to trap the heat and steam, ensuring that your leftovers reheat evenly without drying out.
- Bake the salmon and asparagus in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the amount of leftovers you're reheating.
- For an extra crispy crust, remove the foil tent during the last 2-3 minutes of reheating. This will allow the panko breadcrumbs to crisp up again without burning.
- Alternatively, you can reheat your leftovers in the microwave. Place the salmon and asparagus on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. This will help to create steam and prevent the fish from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat your panko-crusted salmon in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets, crust-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are crispy again. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- No matter which method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of your salmon with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C) before consuming to ensure that it's safe to eat.
- Once your zesty panko-crusted salmon and asparagus are heated through, serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Fascinating Trivia About Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus
The panko-crusted salmon and asparagus recipe is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing the risk of heart disease. Salmon is also a good source of high-quality protein and asparagus is rich in vitamins and minerals, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Zesty Salmon and Asparagus Recipe Economical?
This zesty panko-crusted salmon and asparagus recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the salmon fillets and asparagus, but the zesty spice blend and panko breadcrumbs are affordable pantry staples. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $30-35. The flavorful combination of zesty spices and crispy panko coating adds value to the dish. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Zesty Salmon and Asparagus Dish Healthy?
The zesty panko-crusted salmon and asparagus recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Asparagus provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish. However, the recipe also includes some less healthy elements, such as the panko breadcrumbs, which are a refined carbohydrate, and the potentially high sodium content from the zesty seasoning and added salt.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of breadcrumbs used or replace them with a healthier alternative, such as almond meal or crushed nuts, to lower the carbohydrate content and increase the healthy fats
- Use a low-sodium zesty seasoning blend to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the proportion of asparagus or add other non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Experiment with using Greek yogurt or Dijon mustard as a base for the coating instead of eggs, which can lower the cholesterol content while still providing a tasty, crispy exterior
Editor's Take: Thoughts on This Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon and Asparagus Recipe
This zesty panko-crusted salmon and asparagus recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The zesty spice blend adds a punch of flavor to the crispy panko crust, creating a perfect contrast to the tender and flaky salmon. The roasted asparagus complements the dish with its earthy and slightly sweet flavor. The simple preparation makes it a quick and easy meal to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The dish is well-balanced and visually appealing, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Why trust this Zesty Panko-Crusted Salmon And Asparagus Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features premium-quality salmon fillets and asparagus that are rich in essential nutrients. The zesty spice blend adds a burst of flavor, while the panko breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch. The use of olive oil ensures a healthy cooking method, and the precise baking instructions guarantee perfectly cooked salmon and tender asparagus. Trust the combination of zesty seasoning and fresh ingredients to elevate your culinary skills and deliver a memorable dining experience.
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