This Salmon Bake with Pecan is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion! The salmon is coated in a crispy pecan crust and baked to perfection. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Imagine the delightful crunch of the pecan coating giving way to the tender, flaky salmon, all while a subtle sweetness from the honey mustard glaze complements the richness of the fish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
Preparing the Honey Mustard Glaze
This honey mustard glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the salmon and pecan crust.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, melted butter, and honey until smooth.
Tip: For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. If you prefer a more savory flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey.
Making the Pecan Crunch Coating
This crunchy pecan coating adds a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the salmon.
- Combine Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs, chopped pecans, and parsley.
Tip: For a richer flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before chopping them. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
Prepping the Salmon
Choosing fresh, high-quality salmon bake with pecan fillets is crucial for this recipe.
- Season: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the salmon fillets in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before baking.
Baking the Salmon
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Coat the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet with the honey mustard glaze. Then, press the pecan crumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, making sure it’s nicely coated.
- Bake: Bake for about 10 minutes for every inch of thickness of the salmon. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: To prevent the pecan crust from burning, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
The Perfect Time to Enjoy Your Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating
This Salmon Bake with Pecan is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the crust is crispy and the salmon is flaky. It’s a versatile dish that can be served for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve this salmon with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a festive touch, try our Mashed Potato Magic: A Thanksgiving Shortcut with Potato Chips.
FAQs About Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating
What is the best type of salmon for baking?
You can use any type of salmon for baking, but some popular choices include Atlantic salmon, Sockeye salmon, and Coho salmon. Look for fillets that are firm and have a bright pink color.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in salmon recipes?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or other types of nuts for pecans in this recipe. Just be sure to chop them finely so they adhere well to the salmon.
Is pecan-crusted salmon healthy?
Yes, this dish is a healthy and nutritious option. Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while pecans provide healthy fats and fiber.
How do you keep pecan crust on salmon?
Make sure the salmon fillets are patted dry before applying the glaze and pecan crust. This will help the coating adhere better. You can also gently press the pecan mixture onto the salmon to ensure it sticks.
Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
6
Category
Seafood
This Salmon Bake with Pecan is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion! The salmon is coated in a crispy pecan crust and baked to perfection. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredient
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 5 teaspoons honey
- ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 3 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 6 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 lemon wedges
Instructions
- First, crank up your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- While the oven heats up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, melted butter, and honey until it’s nice and smooth. This is going to be our yummy glaze!
- In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs, chopped pecans, and parsley. This is our crunchy topping!
- Now, take your salmon fillets and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet and place the salmon fillets on it.
- Brush each fillet with that delicious honey-mustard glaze we made.
- Next, press the pecan crumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, making sure it’s nicely coated.
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes for every inch of thickness of the salmon. To make sure it’s perfectly cooked, the salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Once it’s done, serve it up with some fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 368
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 26g
Pro Tips
For an extra burst of zesty flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pecan crust.
Enjoy Your Gourmet Salmon Dish!
We hope you enjoy this Salmon Bake with Pecan! It’s a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Share your culinary creations: Share your photos and feedback with us on social media using the hashtag #PecanCrustedSalmon. We’d love to see your delicious creations!
Want more delicious recipes? Check out our Cranberry Brie Bites: The Perfect Festive Appetizer for a delightful appetizer option.
Happy cooking!