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–+ servings
Pesto Butter Salmon

Pesto Butter Salmon: Quick, Flavor-Packed Dinner Bliss

This Pesto Butter Salmon recipe transforms simple salmon into a gourmet dish in just 21 minutes with a creamy basil pesto butter.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 2 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 2 fillets Salmon Use any firm white fish as a substitute if desired.
For the Pesto Butter
  • 1/4 cup Basil pesto Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
For Cooking
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced, or garlic powder can substitute.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste; sea salt is preferred.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper A pinch of cayenne can be used for extra spice.
For Serving
  • 2 wedges Lemon Use any citrus if lemon is unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking your Pesto Butter Salmon.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and basil pesto until fully blended.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  5. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes.
  6. Once the salmon is beautifully seared, sprinkle minced garlic around the fillets in the skillet.
  7. Using a spoon, generously spread the pesto butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
  8. Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  9. Once baked, remove the skillet and serve the Pesto Butter Salmon immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filletCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the salmon skin is patted dry before searing for a crispy texture. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing.

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