Pecan-crusted baked salmon is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the richness of salmon with the crunchy texture and nutty flavor of pecans. Simple ingredients and just 20 mins of your time!
What is Pecan-crusted Baked Salmon made of?
Certainly, here’s a description of each ingredient used in your recipe:
- Salmon Fillets: Salmon is a popular fish known for its rich flavor and high nutritional value. In this recipe, you use salmon fillets as the main protein. The fillets are typically boneless and can vary in size, but they should be skinless for this preparation. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and potassium.
- Pecans: Pecans are a type of nut known for their sweet and buttery flavor. They are finely chopped and used to create a crunchy and nutty crust for the salmon. Pecans also add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard is a smooth and slightly spicy mustard made from brown or black mustard seeds. It’s used in the recipe to add tanginess and a hint of heat to the glaze, which enhances the flavor of the salmon.
- Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that balances the mustard’s tanginess in the glaze. It contributes sweetness and caramelization when baked, creating a flavorful and slightly sweet crust.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used in the glaze to add richness and to help evenly distribute the flavors. It also contributes to the overall texture of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: These common seasonings are used to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. They provide a balance of saltiness and spiciness.
- Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges are served on the side when serving the dish. They can be squeezed over the salmon to add a zesty and refreshing element to each bite.
What is the best temp to bake salmon?
The best temperature to bake salmon is typically between 350°F (175°C) and 400°F (200°C). The exact temperature within this range can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe you’re using. Here’s a general guideline for baking salmon:
- 350°F (175°C): Baking salmon at this temperature will result in a slightly longer cooking time, which can be ideal if you want a more gentle and even cooking process. It’s a good choice if you’re baking thicker fillets or whole salmon.
- 375°F (190°C): This is a common temperature for baking salmon. It provides a balance between cooking speed and tenderness, and it’s suitable for most salmon recipes.
- 400°F (200°C): Baking at this higher temperature will cook the salmon faster and create a crispier exterior. It’s a good choice for recipes where you want a slightly caramelized or crispy crust on the salmon.
Keep in mind that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets or the type of salmon you’re using (e.g., salmon steaks, fillets, or a whole salmon). To determine when your salmon is done, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
How to make Pecan-crusted Baked Salmon?
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Either line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the salmon from sticking.
In a mixing bowl, blend together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as a delectable glaze for the salmon. Proceed to finely chop the pecans.
Brush each salmon fillet generously with the mustard-honey glaze, ensuring it’s well coated. This glaze enhances flavor and helps the pecan coating adhere to the salmon.
Gently press the mustard-glazed salmon fillets into the finely chopped pecans, aiming for an even and ample pecan coating.
Arrange the pecan-crusted salmon fillets neatly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes, or until the salmon is tender and flakes easily with a fork. The pecan crust should turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy.
Once the salmon has cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven, and allow it to rest for a minute or two. Serve the pecan-crusted salmon while it’s still hot, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side to provide an additional burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Pecan-crusted Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, skin on
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper. This will be used as a glaze for the salmon.
- Chop the pecans.
- Brush each salmon fillet with the mustard-honey glaze, making sure to coat it. The glaze will add flavor and help the pecan mixture adhere to the salmon.
- Press the mustard-glazed salmon fillets into the chopped pecans, ensuring an even and generous coating of the pecans.
- Place the pecan-crusted salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the pecan crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Pecan-crusted Baked Salmon