Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions
If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and texture, you’ve found it! Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions is one of those dishes that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef, even if you’ve never picked up a fish fillet before. The salmon is seared to perfection, crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. The bagel potatoes? Pure magic—they’re golden, crispy, and taste like the best of both worlds: a crunchy bagel and fluffy potato goodness. Add a tangy touch of pickled onions, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s full of vibrant flavors, perfect for a weeknight treat or a dinner party. Trust me, it’s a showstopper!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is a winner. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This dish is great for any occasion—whether you’re having a casual dinner or celebrating something special. The crispy salmon and bagel potatoes are a match made in heaven.
Budget-Friendly: For a meal that feels fancy, it’s surprisingly affordable. Salmon can be a treat without breaking the bank, and the potatoes are a wallet-friendly side.
Quick and Easy: The whole dish comes together in under 45 minutes, with minimal prep time. You’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dinner ready in no time.
Customizable: Want extra crunch? Toss in some herbs or breadcrumbs. Feel like adding a bit of heat? A dash of chili flakes will do the trick.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those dishes that gets everyone talking—crispy salmon, satisfying potatoes, and the tang of pickled onions. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients in Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions
Here’s what you need for this delightful dish—each ingredient adds its own special touch.
Salmon Fillets: The star of the show. Salmon is rich and flavorful, and when it’s pan-seared to crispy perfection, it’s unbeatable.
Potatoes: For the bagel potatoes, you’ll need baby potatoes that become crisp and golden when roasted. They mimic the crunch of a bagel but with the heartiness of a potato.
Onions: Red onions are perfect for pickling. They add a sharp, tangy bite that balances out the richness of the salmon and the potatoes.
Cream Cheese: To bring that bagel flavor to life in the potatoes, a bit of cream cheese adds a creamy, dreamy richness.
Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley will elevate the salmon and potatoes, adding a fresh, fragrant touch.
Lemon: For a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
Olive Oil: For cooking the salmon and roasting the potatoes to golden perfection.
Vinegar: To pickle the onions and give them that tangy, mouth-watering flavor.
Honey: Just a touch for the pickled onions to balance the acidity with a hint of sweetness.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Roast the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the baby potatoes in half and toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Make the Pickled Onions: While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the pickled onions. Thinly slice the red onions and place them in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix vinegar, water, honey, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the onions and let them sit for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer they sit, the more tangy they’ll become.
Prepare the Salmon: While the potatoes are finishing, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked through but still juicy in the center.
Assemble the Dish: Once the potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and toss them with cream cheese and fresh herbs. Plate the crispy salmon fillets alongside the bagel potatoes and top with a generous portion of the pickled onions.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness. Your crispy salmon with bagel potatoes and pickled onions is ready to impress!
Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect refreshing side.
– Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, to bring out the freshness of the salmon.
– For a hearty meal, add some roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– For extra crispy salmon skin, make sure the pan is very hot before adding the fish.
– If you prefer your salmon a little less crispy, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
– Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangier, healthier version of the bagel potatoes.
– You can easily make the pickled onions in advance. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
– Swap the red onions for shallots for a milder, sweeter pickled flavor.
– Make sure to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving for that zesty lift.
– For extra flavor, toss the roasted potatoes with some garlic powder or smoked paprika before baking.
– If you prefer a spicy kick, add a few slices of fresh chili to the pickling liquid.
– For a gluten-free option, this dish is naturally gluten-free, just make sure to check any packaged ingredients like cream cheese.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?
Yes! You can use trout, cod, or any firm white fish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2 Can I make the pickled onions ahead of time?
Yes! Pickled onions can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
3 How can I make the salmon even crispier?
To achieve extra crispiness, press down gently on the salmon with a spatula while it’s cooking skin-side down.
4 Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5 Can I make this dish without cream cheese?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
6 How do I know when my salmon is cooked?
Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
7 Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli would be fantastic additions.
8 What should I do if my pickled onions are too sour?
If your onions are too sour, add a little more honey to balance out the acidity.
9 Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking.
10 Can I make this recipe without pickled onions?
You can skip the pickled onions if you prefer, but they do add a wonderful tang that balances the richness of the salmon.
Conclusion
Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions is the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and tangy flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s quick, easy, and full of vibrant flavors that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Give it a try, and enjoy this deliciously unique dish tonight!
Print
Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy Salmon with Bagel Potatoes & Pickled Onions is a modern, savory dish inspired by classic bagel toppings. It features crispy-skinned salmon served with roasted ‘everything bagel’-seasoned potatoes and tangy pickled red onions for a vibrant contrast.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh dill or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and everything bagel seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then pour over sliced red onions in a bowl or jar. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil.
- Place salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Serve salmon over roasted bagel potatoes, topped with pickled onions. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can use fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes as alternatives.
- Pickled onions can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: crispy salmon, bagel potatoes, pickled onions, salmon dinner, healthy fish recipe