Pesto Butter Salmon is a quick and tasty dish made with fresh salmon fillets and a rich pesto butter sauce. It’s colorful and packed with flavor, making dinner feel special!
Cooking this dish is super easy. Just spread that creamy pesto butter on the salmon and bake! It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is key for a rich flavor. You can substitute it with trout or sea bass if needed. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Basil Pesto: Basil pesto gives the dish its signature taste. If you don’t have pesto, you can use a homemade version with spinach and nuts or even store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor kick.
Unsalted Butter: For a healthier option, try using olive oil or ghee instead of butter. This will still give you a delicious base for the pesto and keep it dairy-free.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is essential for brightness. If you’re out of lemons, lime or a splash of white wine can add a nice tang too.
How Can I Get the Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, pay attention to cooking times. If you’re unsure, here are a few tips:
- Cook the salmon skin-side down if you choose salmon with skin; this helps keep it moist.
- Keep an eye on it as it cooks. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, usually around 8-12 minutes in the oven.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute after baking. This helps the juices settle.
With these tips, you’ll have tasty Pesto Butter Salmon that’s sure to impress! Enjoy!
Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for garnish and serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Optional sides: roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes
Time Needed:
This delicious Pesto Butter Salmon recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for cooking, making it a quick meal that’s ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
2. Make the Pesto Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and basil pesto until it’s smooth and well combined. This will be the tasty topping for your salmon!
3. Sear the Salmon (Optional):
If you want to add some color and a bit of crunch, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin). Sear them for 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another minute on the other side. If you prefer, you can skip this step and bake them directly.
4. Add the Pesto Butter Topping:
If you seared the salmon in an oven-safe skillet, you can leave it there. Otherwise, transfer the salmon fillets to a baking dish. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the pesto butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
5. Bake the Salmon:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the salmon in your preheated oven and bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the pesto butter is melted and bubbly.
6. Prepare Optional Sides:
While the salmon is baking, you can roast asparagus and cherry tomatoes if you like. Just drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place them on a separate baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
7. Serve:
Once everything is ready, plate the salmon fillets with a few lemon wedges and the roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Pesto Butter Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it should be fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat dry before seasoning.
What Can I Substitute for Basil Pesto?
If you don’t have basil pesto, you can use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor. Alternatively, a homemade version with fresh spinach, almonds, or walnuts can work beautifully too!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently microwave it on a low setting or warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the pesto butter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. For the salmon, marinate it with the seasoning and cover it tightly in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking.
