Last Updated: Feb 3, 2024 by Dr. Sonali Ruder · Originally Published: Nov 30, 2014 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases · 36 Comments

Salmon Oreganata

Name: Salmon Oreganata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: ½ cup plain dried breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 lemon, zested; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each); 1/3 cup white wine

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My delicious Salmon Oreganata has a simple topping of crispy, lemony breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic, parmesan, and oregano. It's the perfect way to dress up salmon for an easy and nutritious weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Make it in under 30 minutes!

Four pieces of salmon oreganata on a black plate with parsley and lemons.

My Salmon Oreganata is a tasty and nutritious dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. If you're at all intimidated by the thought of cooking seafood, then you must try this recipe. This salmon with breadcrumbs dish is so easy to make!

To make this dish, simply mix together the ingredients for the breadcrumb topping, top the fish with it, and pop it in the oven. In just 10-12 minutes, you'll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love!

Salmon oreganata is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. It's also elegant enough to serve at dinner parties and is a lovely dish for the holidays.

Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook. Some of my favorite salmon dishes are my miso maple glazed salmon, grilled salmon burgers, and air fryer teriyaki salmon, But, if salmon isn't your thing, try my shrimp oreganata, which I make with succulent shrimp.

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What Is Fish Oreganata Style?
Why You'll Love This Dish
Doctor's Tips
Ingredients
How To Make Salmon Oreganata Step-By-Step
Chef's Tips
What To Serve With This Dish
More Tasty Seafood Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

What Is Fish Oreganata Style?

Oreganata is a classic Italian dish. Oreganata style refers to a mixture of breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, and oregano (hence the name "oreganata"). Lemon and parmesan cheese are often added as well in some recipes.

The breadcrumb mixture is used to top seafood like fish, shrimp, and clams. Then the dish is baked in the oven until the topping is crispy and golden brown.

Clams oreganata is perhaps the most traditional oreganata dish. It's commonly eaten during the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes, which is celebrated on Christmas Eve.

Shrimp oreganata is another delicious and popular variation. Fish oreganata is commonly made with mild, white fish like flounder, tilapia or sole.

Although white fish is commonly used in fish oreganata recipes, I decided to make my dish with salmon. The crispy, lemony breadcrumb topping complements the salmon's delicate flavor and tender, flaky flesh without overpowering it.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Fast- this salmon oreganata comes together in just 20 minutes!
Tasty- succulent salmon, white wine, and lemony breadcrumbs- yum!
Easy- simple enough for a quick weeknight meal
Elegant- equally suitable for special occasions like the holidays
Kid-friendly- a great way to introduce your kids to seafood; you can also try a milder white fish like flounder or tilapia
Can be made in advance- prep the dish the day before and just pop it in the oven at dinnertime

Doctor's Tips

Salmon is a real superfood! Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have incredible health benefits. It's also packed with protein and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Our bodies don't make omega-3s so we must get them from our diet. Here are just a few of the important things that omega-3s do:
- They help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- They're important for neurological development, especially in fetal development and young children. They may also help reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly.
- They reduce inflammation and boost immunity.

To learn more, read my post all about the health benefits of salmon.

Not sure if your salmon is past its prime? Read my post on How To Tell If Salmon Has Gone Bad so that you can always enjoy this delicious fish at its best!

Ingredients

Ingredient notes and substitutions (see recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredient amounts):

Salmon- I use skinless salmon fillets
Bread crumbs- I use plain, dried breadcrumbs rather than seasoned breadcrumbs since we are adding herbs and parmesan cheese to it.
Herbs and spices- I use parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to season the breadcrumbs; you can use fresh or dried parsley and oregano.
Lemon- I use both the lemon zest (in the topping) and the lemon juice (to squeeze on top of the salmon before serving)
White wine- I use a dry white wine like a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc

How To Make Salmon Oreganata Step-By-Step

See recipe card at end of post for full recipe details and instructions.

Step 1- Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, the zest of 1 lemon salt, pepper, and olive oil together in a medium bowl.
Step 2- Place the salmon fillets in a greased baking dish and season them with pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon the breadcrumb topping evenly on top of the salmon.
Step 3- Pour the wine around the salmon into the baking dish (do not pour the wine on top of the breadcrumbs). Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the breadcrumbs.
Step 4- Bake in the oven 10-12 minutes or until salmon is cooked to your liking. Then, broil 1-2 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown (keep a close eye to make sure they don't burn). Squeeze a generous amount of lemon juice on top before serving. Spoon any sauce from the pan onto the salmon.

Chef's Tips

I like to use plain, unseasoned dried breadcrumbs and season them myself. If you use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, keep in mind that they are already seasoned with salt and herbs like parsley, oregano, and garlic so don't add any additional salt. You can add a little fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon zest to taste.
Pour the wine into the baking dish around the salmon, not on top of the breadcrumbs. Pouring the wine on top of the breadcrumbs will make them soggy and prevent them from crisping up.
As the dish bakes, the breadcrumbs will mix with the wine in the pan and create a delicious sauce that you can spoon over the salmon.
Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice on this salmon oreganata right before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

What To Serve With This Dish

This salmon oreganata is delicious on a bed of mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, pasta or risotto. You can also serve a green vegetable on the side like asparagus, green beans, broccoli or peas. Here are a few ideas: