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Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto Recipe

Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Pan-Seared Salmon recipe served with a creamy, nutty Macadamia Pesto made from fresh basil, macadamia nuts, and lemon. This dish combines the rich taste of wild-caught salmon with a refreshing homemade pesto, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Macadamia Pesto

  • 1 cup raw macadamia nuts
  • 3 cups basil (loosely packed)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 lemon (juiced)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Pan-Seared Salmon

  • 1.5 lb wild-caught salmon fillets
  • 2 Tbsp butter or ghee
  • 2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Macadamia Pesto: Using a food processor, combine the macadamia nuts, basil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
  2. Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil from the top until the mixture is well blend and creamy. Set aside the pesto.
  3. Bring Salmon to Room Temperature: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
  4. Dry the Salmon: Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Ensuring they are dry helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  5. Season the Salmon: Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets evenly with sea salt for enhanced flavor.
  6. Heat the Pan: Melt the butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  7. Cook the Salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down (if skin on) in the hot skillet and sear for approximately 4 minutes for fillets that are 3/4-inch thick. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes or adjust cook time based on thickness to desired doneness.
  8. Plate and Serve: Remove the salmon fillets to serving plates. Top each with a generous spoonful of the macadamia pesto and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves.
  9. Enjoy Your Meal: Serve immediately while hot and savor the combination of tender salmon and the rich, aromatic pesto.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly dry the salmon fillets before cooking to achieve a crispy crust.
  • Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to avoid overcooking.
  • If you prefer a nut-free pesto, consider substituting macadamia nuts with sunflower seeds.
  • Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
  • Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan-seared salmon, macadamia pesto, salmon recipe, healthy dinner, wild-caught salmon, basil pesto, seafood dish

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/pan-seared-salmon-with-macadamia-pesto-recipe/