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Crispy St Patrick’s Day Salmon

crispy st patrick’s day salmon recipe - featured image

A quick and easy baked salmon recipe with perfectly crispy skin and tender flesh, seasoned with Irish herbs and lemon zest. Perfect for festive occasions or a simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 oz (170g) each
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Set your rack in the middle position.
  2. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels, especially the skin side.
  3. Optional: Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 shallow slashes on the skin side, about 1-inch apart, being careful not to cut into the flesh.
  4. Place fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top and skin, then sprinkle lemon zest, garlic powder, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Pat the seasonings gently to adhere.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness (about 1-inch). The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, and the skin should be golden and crisp. Avoid opening the oven too often.
  6. Optional: Brush the salmon with melted butter as soon as it comes out for a glossy, rich finish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
  7. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat the salmon skin very dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use a hot oven at 425°F (220°C) and avoid flipping the fillets during baking. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry. Butter is optional and can be replaced with vegan margarine for dairy-free. Variations include swapping thyme for dill or tarragon, adding smoked paprika or cayenne for heat, or using orange zest instead of lemon zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, crispy salmon, baked salmon, St Patrick’s Day recipe, Irish salmon, healthy salmon, easy salmon recipe