Chef John’s Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon

Chef John’s Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon is a beautifully simple yet elegant dish that highlights the fresh, natural flavor of salmon enhanced by a crisp, aromatic herb crust. Under the broiler’s intense heat, the salmon develops a golden, flavorful topping made of fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and a touch of lemon zest — perfectly balancing crunch, aroma, and tenderness.

Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon:

This recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves bold, fresh flavors with minimal effort. The high-heat broiling method locks in the salmon’s juiciness while giving the herb crust a toasty finish. It’s an ideal choice for healthy dinners that taste like gourmet restaurant fare, ready in less than 20 minutes.

History:

Broiling is one of the oldest and simplest cooking methods for fish, tracing back to early European kitchens where open-flame broiling was used to achieve crisp textures and smoky depth. Chef John popularized the herb-encrusted version as a quick yet flavorful way to bring out salmon’s natural richness. Combining Mediterranean-inspired herbs and bright citrus notes, this recipe has become a modern favorite for its freshness and ease.

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Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon

Shruthi

A quick and flavorful salmon recipe featuring a golden herb crust broiled to perfection — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for binding the crust)

For the Herb Crust:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp finely chopped dill
• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or green onion tops
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

 

• Preheat the broiler:Position the oven rack 6 inches from the heating element and preheat your broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it.
• Prepare the herb crust:In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, chives, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Drizzle in olive oil or butter and stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
• Season the salmon:Pat the fillets dry. Brush lightly with olive oil or a thin layer of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the herb topping:Press the herb-breadcrumb mixture gently onto the top of each fillet, coating evenly.
• Broil the salmon:Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
• Serve:Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve hot with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a green salad.

Notes

• Fresh herbs give the best flavor — avoid using dried ones for this recipe.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
• Check salmon doneness early — broilers vary in intensity.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.

 

Keyword Broiled, Chef John recipe, healthy dinner, Herb Crust, salmon

Tips for Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon:

1. Don’t place the salmon too close to the broiler to avoid burning.

2. For a gluten-free version, use almond meal instead of breadcrumbs.

3. Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

4. Broil with the oven door slightly ajar for better air circulation.

5. Leftovers make a great addition to salads or sandwiches.

FAQs for Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon:

Q1: Can I use other fish for this recipe?
Yes, cod, halibut, or trout also work beautifully with the herb crust.

Q2: Can I bake instead of broil?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then finish under the broiler for a golden top.

Q3: How can I make the crust more flavorful?
Add a touch of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to the topping mix.

Q4: What herbs work best?
Fresh parsley, dill, thyme, and basil are excellent choices.

Q5: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust and refrigerate it separately; assemble right before broiling.

Conclusion:

Chef John’s Broiled Herb-Encrusted Salmon is the perfect combination of simplicity, health, and gourmet flavor. The aromatic herbs and crisp topping create a satisfying contrast to the salmon’s tender, flaky texture. It’s a dish that looks elegant, tastes incredible, and comes together effortlessly — a true testament to Chef John’s signature balance of comfort and sophistication.