This Pesto Butter Salmon is a treat for fish lovers! The buttery pesto sauce brings wonderful flavors to the tender salmon, making it both rich and tasty.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! Just slather that pesto butter on and bake. I love how quick it is to prepare; it’s my go-to when I want something fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are perfect. You can use skin-on for extra flavor and crispness or skinless if you prefer. If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen is a great option. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
Pesto: Store-bought basil pesto saves time, but making your own is super simple. You can substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan pesto options that use nuts instead of cheese.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice for better control over seasoning. If you’re keeping it dairy-free, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. It will still create a delicious sauce!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the best flavor. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice works well too! Just keep it light.
How Do I Get the Salmon Skin Crispy?
Achieving crispy salmon skin can make your dish so much better! Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with gently drying the salmon with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Heat your pan well before adding oil. This helps to immediately sear the skin.
- Cook skin-side down first! Press lightly with a spatula to prevent curling.
- Don’t rush to flip! Let it sear for a couple of minutes until golden.
After searing, flipping it only briefly ensures the meat stays moist while the skin crisps up perfectly. Enjoy your delicious, crispy salmon!
Pesto Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pesto Butter Salmon takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab your salmon fillets and pat them dry with some paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Get that flavor in there!
2. Sear the Salmon:
Next, take a large oven-safe skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes. You want that skin to get crispy! Then, gently flip the salmon and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Make the Pesto Butter:
While the salmon is searing, grab a small bowl and mix the softened butter, basil pesto, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined. This will be your delicious topping!
4. Top and Bake:
Now, drop spoonfuls of that scrumptious pesto butter mixture evenly on top of each salmon fillet. Once that’s done, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes. Check until the salmon is cooked through but still moist and flaky.
5. Rest and Serve:
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in. Serve the salmon fillets with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with dill or parsley for a lovely touch!
And there you go! Enjoy your flavor-packed Pesto Butter Salmon, complete with crispy edges and a buttery herb topping that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use a quick method by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Can I Make My Own Pesto for This Dish?
Definitely! Homemade pesto is simple to prepare and tastes amazing. Just blend together fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preference, too!
What Should I Serve with Pesto Butter Salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a fresh mixed salad. For a heartier option, serve it over pasta or rice to soak up that delicious pesto butter!
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature or microwave briefly until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it again to keep it tender!
