Do you hate doing dishes? One of the most time-consuming things about cooking is the cleanup that comes afterwards. That’s why this one-pan salmon dinner is the perfect meal for people who are looking to hit their protein goals, but also are in a time crunch.
Packed with healthy fats and high in protein, this simple dinner can be prepped and cooked entirely on one single pan. Pair it easily with brussel sprouts or substitute with your favorite vegetables, and you have a quick way to get some greens into your diet as well.
Growing up, my parents went through a phase where we ate salmon at least once a week for an extended period of time. So needless to say, I developed a strong dislike for the taste of salmon, because I was eating it so much. However, one night, my dad made salmon with a mustard and lemon juice rub, and I have never eaten salmon any other way since then.
The sharpness of the mustard alongside the acidity of the lemon juice pairs perfectly with that mild taste of plain salmon. I love to serve this one-pan salmon dinner with a nice carb on the side, like rice or couscous. One addition to this dish is a minute-rice cup that can be heated up in the microwave for an easy and mess free side.
Why are one pan meals the best?
- Simplicity: my one-pan recipes are generally simple to make and don’t require advanced equipment. Meaning if you are a beginner, this recipe will be easy for you!
- Easy cleanup: ideally this recipe will help you use the least amount of dishes possible. I was able to prep and season all of the items in this recipe on just the single sheet pan used to cook them in the oven.
- Less stress & meal-prep: one-pan meals can easily be used to meal-prep for the week in a short amount of time. Spend some time on the weekend to make a couple portions of food using this one-pan recipe!
What are the best ways to cook the salmon?
- Oven: the purpose of this recipe is to ensure that the least amount of dishes are used, which is why I think the oven is the best option. Cook the salmon at 350 degrees F, monitor the temperature, and you are sure to have a moist and flaky salmon to eat for dinner.
- Grill: another great way to make salmon is on the grill, if you have one. Just know that this takes a little more time and cleanup if you are going to do it this way.
- Pan-seared: this is also a great way to make salmon, just by adding a little bit of oil to the pan and searing the salmon on all sides.
- Air-fryer: if you still want a simple and quick way to cook your salmon, an air-fryer is the perfect option. Quick cleanup and fast process!
Tips for cooking your salmon to perfection:
- Meat thermometer: the best way to cook any meat to perfection is to monitor the temperature. Use a digital meat thermometer on the thickest part of your salmon and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
- Foil: the method I use for ensuring the salmon doesn’t stick to the pan is by using foil and then spraying the foil with olive oil. This helps me easily remove the salmon after it is done cooking.
- Experiment with the seasoning: feel free to make this recipe your own and experiment with your favorite seasonings.
If you have a busy week coming up, try this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Parmesan-Crusted Dijon and Lemon Salmon with Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs salmon
- 2 cups brussel sprouts (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- spray oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- On a clean sheet pan, lay out a sheet of foil and spray it with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking to the foil.
- If your salmon isn’t already cut, use a clean knife to cut it into four equal portions. Place the four portions of salmon onto the foil spaced evenly across the pan.
- Spread out the brussel sprouts around the salmon on the pan, making sure to add all the stray leaves as well.
- Drizzle or spray olive oil over the tops of all the salmon and brussels on the pan.
- In a small bowl, stir the lemon juice and dijon mustard together until smooth.
- Using a brush, spread the lemon and mustard mixture over the top of each salmon portion, covering the entire topside of the fish.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper over each piece of salmon. Add salt and pepper to the brussels as well.
- Using your hands, cover each piece of salmon and all the brussels with the shredded parmesan. Add more cheese to your liking.
- Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. Make sure the thickest part of the salmon is at least 145℉ before pulling out of the oven. Let sit for a couple minutes, then serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
This was my first time cooking salmon, and it turned out delicious!! I loved the parmesan! I will definitely be adding this to my weekly dinners!