Herbed Pistachio-Crusted Salmon
Experience a delightful culinary journey with this Herbed Pistachio-Crusted Salmon, where the flavors of fresh cilantro and roasted pistachios meld beautifully with tender, flaky salmon fillets. The nuttiness of the pistachios, combined with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, creates a dish that is both nutritious and exciting. This recipe draws inspiration from a local pistachio farm, ensuring a fresh and unique approach to a classic salmon preparation. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this high-protein dish is sure to impress.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon fillets
2 (5-ounce each, rinsed and patted dry)
Pistachios
1/3 cup (roasted kernels, coarsely chopped)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
Olive oil
as needed (for drizzling and misting)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place an iron skillet or griddle in the oven to heat while you prepare the salmon.
3
In a food processor, combine the roasted pistachios, cayenne pepper, and chopped cilantro.
4
Pulse the mixture until the pistachios are coarsely chopped. Transfer this mixture to a shallow bowl or dish.
5
Take the salmon fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, lightly drizzle or mist olive oil on both sides of the fillets.
6
Carefully dip each fillet into the pistachio mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Press down slightly to adhere the nuts to the fish.
7
Once the skillet is preheated, carefully spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
8
Place the coated salmon fillets on the skillet and mist them lightly with olive oil for added moisture and flavor.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
10
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Pistachio-Crusted Salmon?
It is a high-protein seafood dish where salmon fillets are coated in a mixture of roasted pistachios, fresh cilantro, and cayenne pepper, then baked to perfection.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed for the crust?
The crust consists of roasted pistachio kernels, fresh chopped cilantro, and ground cayenne pepper.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Should the skillet be cold when the salmon is added?
No, you should place an iron skillet or griddle in the oven to heat while you prepare the salmon.
How do I prepare the pistachio mixture?
Combine the roasted pistachios, cayenne pepper, and chopped cilantro in a food processor and pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped.
How should I prepare the salmon fillets before coating?
Rinse the fillets, pat them dry with a paper towel, and lightly drizzle or mist both sides with olive oil.
What is the best way to apply the pistachio coating?
Dip each oil-misted fillet into a shallow bowl containing the pistachio mixture and press down slightly to ensure the nuts adhere to the fish.
How long does the salmon need to bake?
The salmon should bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Is there a resting period required after baking?
Yes, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
What type of skillet is recommended for this recipe?
An iron skillet or a griddle is recommended for the best results.
Does this recipe include any spice or heat?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to provide a hint of heat.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 5 main ingredients: salmon fillets, pistachios, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and olive oil.
Is this dish considered high in protein?
Yes, it is categorized as a High Protein dish.
What size should the salmon fillets be?
The recipe calls for two 5-ounce salmon fillets.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe draws inspiration from a local pistachio farm for a fresh and unique approach.
Should I use fresh or dried cilantro?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped cilantro.
Should the pistachios be roasted or raw?
You should use roasted pistachio kernels for this crust.
Why is it important to pat the salmon dry?
Patting the salmon dry helps the oil and pistachio coating adhere better to the surface.
Do I need to spray the hot skillet?
Yes, once the skillet is preheated, you should carefully spray it with non-stick cooking spray before adding the fish.
Can I use a food processor to chop the nuts?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the pistachios, cayenne, and cilantro together until coarsely chopped.
How do I ensure the salmon stays moist during baking?
Mist the fillets lightly with olive oil after placing them on the skillet for added moisture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, while simple enough for a weeknight, its impressive presentation makes it perfect for special occasions.
How much olive oil is required?
Olive oil is used as needed for drizzling and misting the fillets.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include salmon, pistachio, high protein, healthy dinner, seafood, nut crust, baked salmon, and cilantro.
Can I use ground pistachios instead of coarsely chopped ones?
The recipe recommends a coarse chop for texture, which is easily achieved by pulsing in a food processor.
What is the texture of the finished salmon?
The salmon should be tender and flaky, complemented by a crunchy, nutty crust.
What is the category of this recipe?
The recipe is categorized as High Protein.
Is this a nutritious meal choice?
Yes, it is described as both nutritious and exciting, featuring healthy fats from salmon and nuts.