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Easy Baked Salmon Milanese Recipe – delicious baked salmon with a lemon dill butter flavor oven baked in a foil pouch for an easy healthy baked salmon dinner everyone loves!
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I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Easy Delicious SAlmon Milanese
This easy Baked Salmon Milanese is simple but delicious- the flavor of butter, dill, garlic, and salmon is out of this world delicious. This recipe tastes even more delicious than their prepared version (and can be made for a fraction of the price… score!) and you’ll even have some compound butter leftover for bread, pasta, and sauces later!
Baked Salmon Milanese offers a delightful twist on traditional Milanese by pairing the rich, tender texture of salmon with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust infused with herbs and Parmesan. This elegant dish marries the simplicity of baking with the sophistication of Italian flavors, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The aromatic coating, coupled with the moist, flaky salmon, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and light.
The light flavor of salmon, paired with a rich buttery sauce and tanginess of white pepper and dill make this dish a well-loved classic even for picky eaters! This recipe is a huge hit with our family – and I just know you’re going to love it.
How to Make Milanese Salmon
Frist assemble the following ingredients:
- Salmon filets (3-4) – The salmon serves as the succulent centerpiece of this dish, its rich, flaky texture perfectly absorbing the surrounding flavors.
- Fresh dill (4-5 sprigs) – Fresh dill adds a delicate, slightly tangy note that complements the salmon’s natural taste and enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp) – A blend of Italian seasoning brings together classic herbs, introducing a depth of aroma and a hint of the Mediterranean.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Garlic powder offers a subtle, consistent garlic flavor throughout the crust, adding warmth and complexity without overpowering.
- White pepper (1 tsp) – White pepper provides a milder, more nuanced heat than black pepper, contributing to the dish’s sophisticated spice profile.
- White wine (1 tbsp) – A splash of white wine in the sauce or as a marinade for the salmon adds acidity and brightness, elevating the dish with a hint of fruitiness.
- Salted butter (8oz) – Butter enriches the salmon with a velvety finish and a rich, luxurious mouthfeel, balancing the crispness of the breadcrumb coating.
Use this Method
Make Compound Butter. In a large bowl, mix soft butter with garlic powder, 1 sprig dill finely diced, 1/2 the Italian herbs, 1/2 the white pepper, white wine and mix well to form a compound butter. Work into a large ball shape. Scoop onto plastic wrap and tightly wrap butter into a ball or log shape and refrigerate for at least four hours, up to two days.
Prep Fish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with nonstick foil or spray with cooking spray (I personally do both to ensure perfect nonstick fish filets.) Place salmon filets on foil. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 Italian herbs and the remaining 1/2 of white pepper over salmon. Lay a sprig of dill over each piece of salmon. Remove Milanese compound butter from fridge, and scoop into golf ball sized balls. Place on top of dill sprig on salmon.
Bake and serve. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, until fish flakes slightly and is lightly transparent in the middle when checked with a sharp knife into the middle of a filet. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, or three months when well wrapped and stored in a freezer.
Tips and Tricks for Making Baked Salmon Milanese
Choose Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with bright, moist flesh and a firm texture.
Even Thickness: When selecting salmon, try to choose fillets that are even in thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Season Generously: Before adding the Milanese breadcrumb mixture, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispier Milanese crust, use Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs.
Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill into your breadcrumb mixture for a burst of freshness and color.
Lemon Zest: Mix some lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon before baking for a citrusy tang that complements the fish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer on the baking sheet with some space between them to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.
Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature before baking to achieve a perfectly cooked and golden crust.
Use a Wire Rack: Baking the salmon on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet allows air to circulate around the fish, making the coating crisper.
Check for Doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking to keep the fish moist and tender.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute.
Garnish Before Serving: Garnish the baked salmon Milanese with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a light drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
FAQS
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork at the thickest part. The internal temperature should reach 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) when checked with a food thermometer.
No, flipping is not necessary.
Yes, since it does not have a breadcrumb topping like similar recipes it is gluten free.
Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at a low temperature to warm through without drying out the salmon.
Yes, any fresh herb will help give it that earthy taste, I would steer clear of leafy green herbs like basil but rosemary or thyme would work well.
What to Enjoy with Baked Salmon Milanese
Roasted Asparagus: Tender spears of asparagus roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt make a simple, elegant side.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the salmon’s richness.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting base that pairs beautifully with the flaky texture of the salmon.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright, crisp steamed green beans drizzled with a bit of butter and almonds add a fresh crunch.
Wild Rice Pilaf: A fragrant wild rice pilaf with mushrooms and herbs provides a hearty, nutty accompaniment.
Sautรฉed Spinach: Quick sautรฉed spinach with garlic adds a pop of color and a wealth of nutrients.
Lemon Herb Couscous: Couscous flavored with lemon zest and fresh herbs makes a light, fluffy side that’s perfect for soaking up flavors.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion, grilled until charred, offer a smoky contrast to the salmon.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, provides a refreshing side with a textural contrast.
Ratatouille: A traditional French ratatouille, with its medley of summer vegetables, creates a vibrant, flavorful side dish that complements the simplicity of the salmon.
Finally… if you’re looking for other knockout salmon dishes that are perfect for even beginner cooks, please check out my Easy Air Fried Lemon Salmon Recipe, my Whiskey Baked Salmon, Sweet Chili Asian Salmon Burgers, and my baked Everything Salmon – each one is a regular at my home every month! (And if you’re looking for a knockout keto smoked salmon dish, be sure to check out my husband’s recipe for keto smoked salmon avocado toast!)
Try these other seafood recipes:
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Easy Baked Salmon Milanese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets
- 5 sprigs fresh dill, separated
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp white pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp white wine
- 8 oz salted butter, room temperature
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix soft butter with garlic powder, 1 sprig dill finely diced, 1/2 the Italian herbs, 1/2 the white pepper, white wine and mix well to form a compound butter.
- Work into a large ball shape.
- Scoop onto plastic wrap and tightly wrap butter into a ball or log shape and refrigerate for at least four hours, up to two days.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line baking sheet with nonstick foil or spray with cooking spray (I personally do both to ensure perfect nonstick fish filets.)
- Place salmon filets on foil.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 Italian herbs and the remaining 1/2 of white pepper over salmon.
- Lay a sprig of dill over each piece of salmon.
- Remove Milanese compound butter from fridge, and scoop into golf ball sized balls.
- Place on top of dill sprig on salmon.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, until fish flakes slightly and is lightly transparent in the middle when checked with a sharp knife into the middle of a filet.
- Serve immediately.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, or three months when well wrapped and stored in a freezer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My favorite recipe. I used to buy the Costco version, but now Iโve made this several times and always come back to make it again. Thank you very much! My husband wants to make it for Christmas dinner!
I am so glad you love the recipe! We love Salmon too, we always have it for Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Currently my favorite salmon recipe! So easy and delicious!
Great recipe! We will make this again soon!
This recipe was soooo good! The salmon came out perfectly flaky and tasty. Will definitely make again!
Oh, this looks so tasty! Can’t wait to try!