Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe

Salmon is one of the most versatile and nutritious fish you can cook, offering rich omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. When paired with the fresh, vibrant flavors of pesto and the creamy richness of butter, salmon reaches a new level of decadence. Pesto Butter Salmon is a perfect combination of savory, herby, and buttery flavors, making it an easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Butter Sauce

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto, softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you like an extra zesty flavor, add the lemon zest into the sauce.

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   • Tip: If your butter is not softened enough, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it, but be sure not to melt it completely.

2. Whisk until smooth: Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients until you have a smooth, creamy pesto butter mixture. This will be the flavorful sauce that you’ll baste the salmon with during cooking.

   • Optional: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend everything together using an immersion blender or regular blender, though this is not necessary for this recipe.

3. Set aside: Once the pesto butter sauce is ready, set it aside at room temperature. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and let it chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.

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Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a nice crispy sear. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper. Optionally, sprinkle a little thyme on top for additional flavor.

   • Tip: If you’re using skin-on salmon, make sure the skin is patted dry as this will help it crisp up nicely during cooking.

2. Preheat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. You can test the heat by dropping a small drop of water into the pan—it should sizzle immediately.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

1. Cook the salmon fillets: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until the salmon is golden brown and crispy on the bottom. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as it cooks.

   • Tip: Resist the urge to move the salmon around in the pan as this can cause it to stick. Let it cook undisturbed for the best sear.

2. Flip the salmon: Once the first side is golden, use tongs or a fish spatula to flip the salmon over gently. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. You want the salmon to be just cooked through, with the inside still slightly pink and tender.

   • Tip: For perfect doneness, cook the salmon for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness, or use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet.

Step 4: Baste with Pesto Butter

1. Add the pesto butter sauce: Once the salmon is cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Spoon or brush a generous amount of the prepared pesto butter sauce over each fillet. The heat from the salmon will melt the butter, creating a beautiful glossy finish.

   • Tip: You can add a little more pesto butter to the pan and baste the fillets by spooning the sauce over the top while the salmon finishes cooking. This infuses the salmon with flavor and moisture.

2. Allow the sauce to melt: Let the salmon sit in the pesto butter sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can cover the pan with a lid for a minute if you’d like the sauce to steam and coat the fish more thoroughly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the salmon: Carefully transfer the salmon fillets onto serving plates. Spoon any remaining pesto butter sauce from the pan over the top of the fillets.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top of the salmon for a burst of color and added freshness. You can also garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, along with lemon wedges for a tangy contrast to the rich sauce.

   • Tip: A few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley also work as great garnishes.

3. Serve immediately: Serve the pesto butter salmon with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, rice, or a light salad. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Tips for Perfect Pesto Butter Salmon

1. Choose the right salmon: For the best results, use wild-caught salmon if possible. It has a richer flavor and better texture than farmed salmon. Opt for fillets with the skin on, as they help hold the fish together and add crispiness.

2. Homemade pesto: While store-bought pesto is convenient, making your own fresh pesto can elevate the flavor of this dish. A simple basil pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil will bring the pesto butter to another level.

3. Adjust the butter: If you prefer a lighter version of this recipe, you can reduce the amount of butter and add a little more pesto for flavor. You could also substitute some of the butter with a little extra olive oil if desired.

4. Do not overcook the salmon: The key to perfect salmon is not overcooking it. Salmon continues to cook once it’s removed from the heat, so be sure to check the internal temperature to prevent it from becoming dry.

5. Add more vegetables: You can serve the pesto butter salmon with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Roasted vegetables complement the richness of the salmon and pesto sauce perfectly.

6. Pasta pairing: For a heartier meal, serve the salmon with a side of pasta tossed in a little extra pesto. This creates a cohesive dish where the flavors of the pesto butter shine.

Variations to Try

1. Crispy Skin: If you’re using skin-on fillets, make sure to cook the skin side first. It will become nice and crispy, providing a contrast in texture to the tender salmon flesh. You can also serve the salmon with the skin side up for added visual appeal.

2. Coconut Pesto Butter: For a tropical twist, try substituting a little coconut oil for the olive oil in the pesto butter sauce. This gives the dish a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with salmon.

3. Spicy Pesto Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto butter sauce for a little heat. This adds depth and contrast to the creamy richness of the butter.

4. Pesto Variations: While basil pesto is the classic choice, you can experiment with different pesto variations. Try spinach pesto for a more mild flavor or arugula pesto for a peppery kick.

Conclusion

This Pesto Butter Salmon is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery pesto sauce and perfectly cooked salmon creates a delectable meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend feast, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious, elevated version of salmon!

Yield: 2

Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe

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Salmon is one of the most versatile and nutritious fish you can cook, offering rich omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. When paired with the fresh, vibrant flavors of pesto and the creamy richness of butter, salmon reaches a new level of decadence. Pesto Butter Salmon is a perfect combination of savory, herby, and buttery flavors, making it an easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. Whether you're preparing a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh citrusy kick)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if applicable). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the salmon is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness. (Note: the internal temperature should reach 145°F for fully cooked salmon.)
3. Make Pesto Butter: While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the pesto and lemon juice (if using) and mix until well combined and warm.
4. Serve: Once the salmon is done, transfer the fillets to plates. Spoon the pesto butter mixture generously over the top of each fillet.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a fresh pop of color and added flavor. Serve with your favorite side, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad.

Notes

Pesto: If you’re using store-bought pesto, go for a high-quality one for the best flavor. You can also use a homemade pesto made with basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil.

Salmon Variations: If you prefer a different type of fish, this recipe works well with trout or other fatty fish, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and dairy-free pesto to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

Add Extra Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top of the salmon after drizzling with the pesto butter, or serve it with a side of lemon wedges.