Imagine a dish so incredibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience in just 20 minutes. This Baked Pesto Butter Salmon is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, herbal notes of pesto with the luxurious, buttery texture of perfectly cooked salmon. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend chef looking to impress, this Italian-inspired seafood masterpiece will elevate your cooking game and leave everyone at the table craving more.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the pesto and butter adhere better and ensures crisp edges.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season each fillet generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with pesto sauce until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and evenly blended.
- Spoon the pesto butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to cover the entire surface of the fish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and better sauce adherence.
- Use room temperature salmon for more even cooking and to prevent dry edges.
- Don't overcook! Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center, which keeps it moist and tender.
- Choose high-quality pesto for the most vibrant flavor - homemade or premium store-bought both work wonderfully.
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish.
- If you prefer a golden top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the salmon rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
