Enjoy this tasty Pesto Butter Salmon that’s quick and full of flavor! The salmon is cooked to perfection and topped with rich pesto butter for a delicious twist.
It’s easy to make, and the smell while it cooks is just heavenly! I love serving it with some simple veggies or rice for a complete meal that feels fancy but is super simple.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Choose fresh salmon fillets, preferably wild-caught for the best flavor. If salmon isn’t available, you can substitute with trout or another firm fish like cod or halibut.
Pesto: You can use store-bought basil pesto for convenience, or make your own with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: While optional, they add a nice pop of sweetness. If you don’t have them, consider using bell peppers, zucchini, or a side salad.
How Do You Cook Salmon Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but with a few tips, it’s easy. First, start by patting the salmon dry. This helps get that crispy skin everyone loves. Next, when you heat the skillet, make sure it’s hot before adding the salmon!
- Cook the skin side down first, as this helps render fat. Keep it on medium-high heat for crispiness.
- Don’t flip too soon! Wait for about 4-5 minutes before turning.
- Finish cooking on the flesh side until it’s just opaque; remember, salmon continues to cook even after you remove it from heat.
With these techniques, you’ll have juicy, flavorful salmon every time! Enjoy your cooking journey!
Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pesto Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pesto Butter Salmon takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook better and get that crispy skin. Season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy and the salmon is almost cooked through.
3. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Gently flip the salmon fillets over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to be just cooked through and beautifully browned on the other side.
4. Make the Pesto Butter:
While the salmon is cooking, let’s prepare the yummy pesto butter! In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, basil pesto, minced garlic, and lemon juice until it’s smooth and well combined.
5. Infuse with Pesto Butter:
Once the salmon is nearly done, reduce the heat to low. Add a dollop of the pesto butter mixture on each salmon fillet and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes. This allows the butter to melt and meld into the salmon beautifully.
6. Serve the Salmon:
Carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and place them on serving plates. Don’t forget to spoon any delicious melted pesto butter sauce over the top of the salmon for extra flavor!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the salmon and serve it with lemon wedges and roasted or blistered cherry tomatoes, if you like. Enjoy your flavorful and rich Pesto Butter Salmon!
Can I Substitute the Salmon with Another Fish?
Absolutely! If salmon is unavailable, trout or other firm fish like cod or halibut work great too. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, as different fish may vary in thickness.
How Can I Store Leftover Pesto Butter Salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto for This Recipe?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto is a convenient option and still delicious! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try homemade pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
What Should I Serve with Pesto Butter Salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with lemon wedges and blistered cherry tomatoes for added flair!
