Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly crusted salmon fillet that's simultaneously crunchy, sweet, and tangy - a culinary masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant's kitchen. This Pecan Crusted Salmon with Lemon Glaze isn't just a meal; it's an experience that will transform your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With a golden pecan crust that adds irresistible texture and a honey-lemon glaze that brings bright, complex flavors, this dish proves that elegant dining can be simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans and breadcrumbs. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This will be your glaze and will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Season each fillet with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the honey-lemon mixture generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
- Press the pecan and breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, creating an even crust. Make sure to cover the fillets completely for the best texture and flavor.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The pecan crust should be golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the pecan crusted salmon with additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a vibrant color and firm texture for the best results.
- Toast your pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- For an extra crispy crust, consider briefly broiling the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- If you're watching calories, you can substitute honey with a sugar-free maple syrup or use less breadcrumbs.
- Always let the salmon rest after cooking to help retain its moisture and ensure tender, flaky texture.
- Pair this dish with light sides like roasted asparagus or a fresh spring salad to complement the rich salmon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
