This quick and easy Pecan Crusted Salmon is bursting with flavor and crunch. Baked with a delightful crust of pecans, parmesan, and dill, it's a bold dish you'll adore. Ready in under 25 minutes!
Salmon has always been a favorite of mine when it comes to seafood. Its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture make it a versatile fish that can be prepared in countless ways.
Today, I want to share with you a recipe that takes salmon to a whole new level: Pecan Crusted Salmon.
This delightful dish combines the nuttiness of pecans with the succulent goodness of salmon, resulting in a meal that is both elegant and comforting.
Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your culinary repertoire. It certainly is for us!
I first had a version of this dish in a restaurant when I was on holiday at a cozy seafood restaurant tucked away on the coast. The dish arrived at my table, and I was immediately captivated. It was a huge hit and I've tried many times to recreate it since.
This version hits all the boxes, with layers of flavor, from garlic and paprika seasoning the fish, to the herby, cheesy, nutty crust.
I hope you love this salmon recipe as much as we do!
Make it in less than half an hour, and serve it up with sides like Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Arkansas Green Beans and Jiffy Corn Casserole for a full meal!
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Salmon
Salmon is a highly versatile and nutritious fish. With its rich, buttery texture and delicate yet robust flavor, it is a great choice for seafood/fish.
Packed with high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, salmon provides a range of health benefits, from promoting heart health to boosting brain function.
Its vibrant pink flesh adds a visual appeal to any dish, and whether grilled, baked, smoked, or safely enjoyed raw, salmon offers endless culinary possibilities.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The combination of pecans and salmon may sound unusual at first, but the flavors work harmoniously together. The richness of the salmon complements the nutty, slightly sweet taste of the pecans, creating a delicious symphony of flavors in every bite.
- This tasty dish is ready in just 25 minutes, with 7 simple ingredients.
- The crunchy pecan crust adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender salmon. With each forkful, you'll experience the satisfying crunch of the crust followed by the moist, flaky salmon beneath.
- Pecan Salmon is a visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your guests. The golden-brown crust and vibrant green dill create an eye-catching plate that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Salmon Fillet: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and is packed with protein.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and crunch to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used to grease the baking dish and coat the pecan crust. Olive oil provides a smooth texture and adds a hint of fruity flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish and balances the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, garlicky note to the salmon.
- Paprika: Gives the crust a lovely color and imparts a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Dill: Fresh dill complements the salmon's flavors beautifully, adding a hint of freshness and brightness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor to the crust and helps bind the pecans.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
In a bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dill, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Grease a baking dish with the remaining olive oil. Place the salmon fillet in the dish and season it with salt, granulated garlic, and paprika.
Spread the pecan and dill mixture over the salmon fillet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the baked salmon from the oven and serve immediately. Be careful not to overbake it, as this can result in a drier texture.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Variations
- Almond Crusted Salmon: Swap out the pecans for almonds to give your salmon a different nutty twist. Almonds offer a slightly milder flavor compared to pecans but still deliver a delightful crunch.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Add a variety of fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, and thyme, to the pecan crust mixture. The combination of herbs will infuse the salmon with a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors.
- Maple-Glazed Pecan Crusted Salmon: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over the pecan crust before baking. This addition adds a hint of sweetness and caramelization to the dish, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest Pecan Crusted Salmon: Incorporate the zest of a lemon into the pecan crust mixture to add a vibrant, citrusy note to the dish. The zingy lemon flavor pairs wonderfully with the nuttiness of the pecans.
More Salmon Recipes
Salmon Bites
Cajun Salmon
Teriyaki Salmon
Salmon Pasta
Salmon Burgers
Old Bay Salmon
Recipe Tips
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: When selecting your salmon fillet, opt for fresh, sustainably sourced fish. The quality of the salmon will significantly impact the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the salmon while it's baking to avoid overcooking. Overbaking can result in a drier texture, so it's best to take it out as soon as the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a subtle kick.
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📖 Recipe
Pecan Crusted Salmon
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillet
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ⅓ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dill, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Grease a baking dish with the remaining olive oil. Place the salmon fillet in the dish and season it with salt, granulated garlic, and paprika.
- Spread the pecan and dill mixture over the salmon fillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the baked salmon from the oven and serve immediately. TIP: Be careful not to overbake it, as this can result in a drier texture.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: When selecting your salmon fillet, opt for fresh, sustainably sourced fish. The quality of the salmon will significantly impact the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the salmon while it's baking to avoid overcooking. Overbaking can result in a drier texture, so it's best to take it out as soon as the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a subtle kick.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Tayler
My family loves salmon and I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. This recipe looks amazing and it's on the menu for dinner tonight!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!
Amy
Now that I am focusing on low-carb I can't enjoy my normal salmon topping. This was way better and I enjoyed the crunch!!
Elizabeth
This is such a delicious way to prepare salmon. The flavor of the pecans complements the fish nicely and gives it a nice crunchy coating. Thanks for sharing!
Kelley
This was amazing! I have never encrusted salmon with nuts before and wow was I missing out! So much flavor and a nice crunch thank you!
Suzy
Really liked this. It's diffrent to our usual topping, but I saw it on pinterest and was intrigued. Left out the dill (didn't have any) but next time I'll add it in.