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Salmon Loaf

Moist, tender salmon bound with a light egg and breadcrumb mixture, baked until golden and topped with a bright lemon glaze. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for weeknights or dinner parties, ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh salmon fillet skin removed and flaked into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Zest of 1 lemon about 1 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
For the Lemon Glaze
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9 by 5 inch loaf pan
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork or wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife for flaking salmon
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Line a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal, or spray with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Whisk these together until the mustard is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds.
  3. Gently fold the flaked salmon into the egg mixture using a wooden spoon or spatula, being careful not to break the salmon pieces into tiny flakes. Add the breadcrumbs, minced red onion, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, then fold everything together until just combined. The mixture should look shaggy and held together loosely.
  4. Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it gently and evenly into the pan, filling all the corners. The top should be relatively level.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated 375 degree oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. While the loaf bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves completely. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  8. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 5 minutes. If you used parchment paper, carefully lift the loaf out of the pan by the paper overhang and transfer it to a serving platter or cutting board.
  9. Drizzle the warm lemon glaze over the top of the salmon loaf, allowing some to run down the sides. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the glaze sets slightly before slicing.
  10. Use a sharp, dry knife to cut the loaf into thick slices. Wipe the knife clean between slices if the mixture sticks.

Notes

Don't skip the 5-minute rest after baking; it makes the difference between a loaf that slices cleanly and one that crumbles apart. Use fresh salmon whenever possible for the most tender, delicate loaf. Store leftover salmon loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.