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There’s something magical about salmon with a crunchy, flavorful crust—it takes an already delicious fish and makes it restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish, this Pistachio-Crusted Salmon is your answer. It’s buttery, nutty, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties.
If you thought salmon couldn’t get any better, wait until you try it with a golden, nutty pistachio crust. It’s a total game-changer!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a fuss-free dinner.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
- Crunchy & Flavorful: The pistachio crust adds a gourmet touch without extra work.
- Beautiful Presentation: Great for entertaining—this dish looks as good as it tastes!
🥑 Ingredients Breakdown
- Salmon Fillets – Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Pistachios – Use shelled, roasted pistachios for a rich, nutty crunch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds extra crispiness to the crust.
- Dijon Mustard – Helps the crust adhere while adding a touch of tanginess.
- Honey – Balances the flavors with a slight sweetness.
- Garlic & Lemon Zest – Elevates the taste, bringing freshness and depth.
- Olive Oil – Ensures the salmon remains juicy and tender.
Pro Tip:
For extra-crispy results, toast the pistachios and panko together for a minute or two before pressing them onto the salmon.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the chopped pistachios, panko, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard, honey, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 4: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush the tops with the mustard-honey mixture.
Step 5: Press the pistachio mixture firmly onto the tops of the fillets, ensuring it sticks well.
Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden.
Step 7: Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer—salmon is perfect at 125–130°F for medium.
- Chop the Pistachios Finely: This ensures even coverage and a better crunch.
- Let the Salmon Rest: Giving it 2–3 minutes off the heat allows the juices to redistribute.
🌟 Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the pistachio mixture.
- Go Dairy-Free: Skip the panko and add extra pistachios to maintain the crunch.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a bright citrus salad.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the crust and mustard mix in advance. Store separately and assemble just before baking.
Can I use other nuts? Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pecans also work beautifully.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
📌 Pistachio-Crusted Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Mix pistachios, panko, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine Dijon mustard, honey, and 1 tsp olive oil in a small dish.
- Place salmon on the baking sheet and brush with the mustard mixture.
- Press the pistachio mixture onto the salmon firmly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.
This Pistachio-Crusted Salmon is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it for a cozy weekend dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments—or tag your creation with #TheKitchensAid on social media. Happy cooking! 🍽️
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