Pistachio Crusted Salmon

$To make the pistachio crusted salmon, you need the following ingredients: - 4 salmon fillets - 1 cup unsalted pistachios, shelled - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both tasty and simple. The salmon fillets are the star of the show, being rich in flavor and healthy. The unsalted pistachios give a nice crunch and nutty taste. Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang, while honey brings in sweetness. Olive oil helps with moisture and flavor. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it fresh. Don't forget to season the salmon with salt and pepper for balance. Lastly, fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness when you serve it. Each ingredient works together to create a delightful meal you can enjoy any night of the week. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a food processor, pulse the shelled pistachios until they are coarsely ground. You want a mix of fine and chunky pieces. Transfer these to a shallow bowl. - In a separate bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Brush a generous amount of the mustard-honey mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. - Firmly press the salmon fillets into the ground pistachios. Cover the top completely with nuts. - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness; the salmon should flake easily with a fork. - After baking, let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. - Garnish the salmon with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors! To get a perfect pistachio crust, grind the nuts just right. Use a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely ground. You want some fine bits and some chunky pieces. This mix adds great texture to your dish. For cooking the salmon, aim for 15-20 minutes in the oven at 375°F. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. If you have a food thermometer, check for an internal temp of 145°F. This ensures it’s cooked just right and safe to eat. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. If you love a bit of spice, add some cayenne pepper to the mustard-honey mix. For a bright twist, try adding fresh dill or thyme. Consider alternative toppings or sauces for variety. A dollop of yogurt sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add new flavors. You can also serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh salmon and high-quality pistachios for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Overprocess: When grinding the pistachios, ensure there is a mix of fine and chunky pieces for a better crust. Resting Time: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking to enhance its juiciness before serving. Variations: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique twist on the crust. {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts in your crust. Almonds or walnuts work great too. They add unique flavors. If you want a different taste, try pecans. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. For sweeteners, honey is a classic choice. You can swap it with maple syrup if you like. Agave nectar is another good option. It gives a sweet touch without being too heavy. You can grill the salmon instead of baking it. Grilling gives the fish a smoky flavor. It also creates nice grill marks. Just brush the salmon with oil and place it on the grill. Cook it for about six to eight minutes on each side. Broiling is another method to try. It cooks the salmon faster and gives it a crispy top. Place the salmon under the broiler for about six to eight minutes. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. Pair your pistachio crusted salmon with side dishes. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are great choices. You can also serve it with quinoa or rice for a filling meal. For creative plating, serve the salmon on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle extra lemon juice over the top. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color. This makes the dish look even more delicious! To keep your pistachio crusted salmon fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay good for up to three days. Make sure the salmon cools down before sealing it. For longer storage, you can freeze the salmon. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last for about three months. When you want to enjoy your leftover salmon, reheating it well is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking tray and cover it with foil. This helps keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Heat on low power for short bursts. This way, you keep the salmon tender and tasty. What type of salmon is best for this recipe? I recommend using good-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon, like sockeye or king, has great flavor. Farmed salmon works too but can be richer. Look for bright color and firm texture. Fresh is best, but frozen can be just as good if thawed properly. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prep some elements ahead. Make the mustard-honey mix and ground pistachios a day before. Keep them in the fridge. You can also coat the salmon with the mixture and pistachios, but bake it right before serving for the best results. How can I tell when salmon is cooked through? Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Insert a fork into the thickest part and twist gently. If it separates, it’s ready. The flesh should turn from translucent to opaque. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is safe to eat. Caloric content per serving Each serving of pistachio crusted salmon has about 400-450 calories. This can vary based on the salmon size and added ingredients. Breakdown of macronutrients - Protein: 30-35 grams - Fat: 25-30 grams - Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a good choice for a balanced meal. This guide covered how to make delicious pistachio-crusted salmon. You learned the key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips for cooking. We explored variations and how to store and reheat leftovers. As you cook this dish, remember to enjoy the process. Cooking should be fun and rewarding. With these tools, you can create a meal that’s tasty and nutritious. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!$

A delicious salmon fillet topped with a crunchy pistachio crust, perfect for a healthy dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon
1 cup unsalted pistachios, shelled
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon zested and juiced
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a food processor, pulse the shelled pistachios until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process; you want a mix of fine and chunky pieces. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well integrated.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Brush a generous amount of the mustard-honey mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating.
Press the salmon fillets firmly into the ground pistachios, covering the top completely.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the pistachio crusted salmon on a bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted vegetables, drizzling a little extra lemon juice on top for added flavor.

Keyword dinner, healthy, pistachio, salmon