Description
Pecan Crusted Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make gourmet seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked with a crunchy, nutty pecan and panko breadcrumb coating. This quick recipe balances sweet, tangy, and savory tastes with healthy ingredients, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Crust Coating
- 4 skinless, boneless fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Honey-Mustard Mixture
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Make the Pecan Crust Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. In a separate small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and honey until smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Salmon: Brush the top of each salmon fillet generously with the honey-mustard mixture. This sticky layer helps the pecan crust adhere and adds sweet-tangy flavor.
- Apply the Pecan Crust: Press the pecan-panko mixture firmly onto the coated side of the salmon fillets, making sure it sticks evenly to create the crunchy layer.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets crust-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each fillet with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Use room temperature salmon by letting fillets sit out for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Chop pecans finely for a better crust that adheres well and avoids large loose pieces.
- Don’t overbake to keep the salmon juicy and tender; start checking at 12 minutes.
- Press the crust mixture firmly to ensure it sticks well during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for bright citrus flavor to contrast the rich salmon and nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pecan crusted salmon, baked salmon, seafood recipe, healthy salmon, gluten free salmon, nut crust salmon
