Quick and easy, this Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon comes together with just five simple ingredients. It’s a healthy and flavorful dinner that’s a hit even among seafood skeptics and picky eaters. Plus, the irresistible sweet and salty crunch will leave you craving more.
My husband, bless his heart, loves cooked salmon. He’d have it every single day if he could and truthfully, he does most days. But here’s the thing: he’s not exactly a good cook. Seasonings and flavors? They tend to get overlooked. He’s more of a ‘food is nourishment’ kind of guy.
So, one day, I decided to surprise him with a dish that would liven things up. That’s when I created this Pecan Crusted Baked Salmon.
This recipe quickly became a family staple because it’s just so good, and the best part is, it’s so simple to make, even my husband can do it!
In just 20 minutes, this baked salmon with its crunchy topping comes together, making it the perfect dinner for those busy weeknights when you crave something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient for Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon
Salmon Fillets – Salmon is high in protein and delivers a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support digestive health, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with GERD.
Pecans – Pecans are low in acid and high in fiber, making them gentle on the stomach and promoting better digestion, all while providing a satisfying crunch to the honey pecan crust.
Herbs De Provence – This aromatic blend of dried herbs, including thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender, makes this dish come together.
Coconut Oil –Coconut Oil adds more of that nutty flavor and helps create the pecan crust.
Honey – For a touch of sweetness and to bind our crust together.
Salt – Makes all the flavors pop!
How to Make Honey Pecan Crusted Baked Salmon
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of pecans evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for 4 minutes. Give them a stir and toast for an additional 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set the toasted pecans aside to cool.
Then, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Take your salmon fillets and place them in a casserole dish.
Next, in a high-speed blender, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of herbs de Provence, 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Add your cooled pecans and pulse the mixture for just a few seconds until the pecans are roughly chopped and well incorporated into the seasoning blend. Be cautious not to overblend.
Now, stir the mixture in the blender to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined, then give it another quick blend for a few seconds.
Take the pecan mixture and gently pat it down onto the top of each salmon fillet, creating a crunchy, flavorful crust.
Finally, place the casserole dish with the salmon into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
1. Opt for fresh salmon whenever possible, as it tends to have a milder and more delicious flavor compared to frozen varieties.
2. Adjust the baking time according to the thickness of your salmon fillet. Thinner fillets will require less time in the oven, while thicker ones will need a bit more. Aim for a tender and moist texture by avoiding overcooking.
3. If using salmon with the skin on, use a spatula to carefully separate the salmon from the skin after baking. The skin should stick to the baking sheet, allowing for easy removal.
By following these simple tips, you’ll achieve perfectly baked salmon every time – tender, flavorful, and sure to impress!
Can Frozen Salmon Be Used?
Absolutely! Frozen salmon can be used for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once it’s thawed, you’re ready to prepare the honey pecan baked salmon with all its deliciousness.
How to Serve Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon
There are several ways to serve Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon. One option is to pair it with our Oil-Free Roasted Sweet Potatoes and a refreshing side salad, creating a balanced and nutritious meal.
Quick and easy this Honey and Pecan Crusted Salmon comes together with just five simple ingredients. It’s a healthy and flavorful dinner that is a hit even among seafood skeptics and picky eaters. Plus, the irresistible sweet and salty crunch will leave you craving more.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of pecans evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for 4 minutes. Give them a stir and toast for an additional 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set the toasted pecans aside to cool.
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Take your salmon fillets and place them in a casserole dish.
In a high-speed blender, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of herbs de Provence, 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
Once the pecans have cooled down, add them to the blender. Pulse the mixture for just a few seconds until the pecans are roughly chopped and well incorporated into the seasoning blend. Be cautious not to overblend.
Stir the mixture in the blender to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined, then give it another quick blend for a few seconds.
Take the pecan mixture and gently pat it down onto the top of each salmon fillet, creating a flavorful crust.
Place the casserole dish with the salmon into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
