Parmesan Crusted Salmon (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Salmon

01 - 1 side of fresh salmon (about 900g to 1.2kg)
02 - 3 to 4 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

→ Parmesan Topping

03 - 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill
05 - Cooking oil spray
06 - 1 cup of panko-style breadcrumbs
07 - Melt 3 tablespoons of butter
08 - A pinch of salt (around 1/2 tsp)
09 - Zest of one lemon
10 - Fresh parsley chopped (2 tablespoons)
11 - Season with black pepper, as you like it

→ Creamy Lemon Sauce

12 - Around 2 tablespoons of butter
13 - A finely diced shallot
14 - 300ml of heavy cream
15 - 1 1/4 cups of dry white wine
16 - 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
17 - Juice squeezed from half a lemon (2 to 3 tablespoons)
18 - A sprinkle of sugar (1/2 tsp)
19 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper

→ Garnishes

20 - A few lemon wedges
21 - Fresh dill for extra flavor
22 - Some watercress

# Instructions:

01 - Take the salmon out of the fridge so it’s closer to room temperature.
02 - Fire up your oven at 200°C (about 390°F). Spread the panko crumbs on a baking tray, spray them with oil, and toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes till golden brown. Then transfer to a bowl.
03 - Drizzle melted butter over the panko, and stir in parmesan, lemon zest, salt, dill, parsley, and a bit of pepper.
04 - Cover a baking tray with aluminum foil. Put your salmon on top, coat it evenly with Dijon mustard, and sprinkle the crumb mix over it, pressing lightly so it sticks.
05 - Put it in the oven for about 20 minutes to keep it moist, but adjust time depending on your preference. Once done, let the fish slide off the foil.
06 - Use a medium-sized pan on medium-high heat. Melt butter, stir in shallot and let it cook for 2 minutes. Then pour in the wine and let it bubble for 5 minutes till it reduces.
07 - Turn down the heat to medium. Mix in the cream, Dijon mustard, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer lightly for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Tweak the taste if needed.
08 - Place some watercress on your serving plate. Carefully transfer the salmon over it and remove the foil. Serve alongside the lemon sauce, with extra lemon wedges and dill.

# Notes:

01 - You don’t need to worry about the skin—it’s fine with it on or off, but ask your fishmonger to get rid of the bones.
02 - Panko breadcrumbs are your best bet for a great crunch compared to regular ones.
03 - The sauce can be served room temperature after cooling if you prefer.