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Pan-Seared Alaska Salmon with Pistachio-Parsley Pesto

Pan-Seared Alaska Salmon with Pistachio-Parsley Pesto
Brightly flavored pesto pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of pan-fried Alaska salmon. And no need to worry about thawing out the fish - this recipe starts with frozen!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons shelled roasted pistachios
  • ½ cup firmly packed chopped parsley leaves and stems
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4, 6-ounce skin-on Alaska salmon fillets, frozen
  • 1 lemon, quartered

Nutrition Facts

Calories 503.97kcal, 25%
Total Fat 35.38g, 51%
Carbs 8.1g, 3%
Sugars 2.15g, 2%
Protein 39.24g, 78%
Sodium 309.78mg, 15%
Fiber 2.87g, 10%

Instructions

  1. Step 1 Prepare the pesto

    Roughly chop 2 tablespoons pistachios and set aside. Put remaining 1/2 cup of pistachios in food processor along with parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and garlic, and pulse until roughly chopped. With the machine running, gradually pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil and lemon juice, and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Set aside.

    Pesto can be made and refrigerated up to a week and frozen for 3 months; defrost if necessary and bring back to room temperature before using.

  2. Step 2 Cook the salmon

    Heat remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Run frozen Alaska salmon fillets under cold water to remove any ice glaze and pat dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with oil. Arrange in an even layer in pan, skin-side up (if using skin-on fillets) and cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, until browned. Flip and season with salt and pepper. Cover and reduce heat to medium, then cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until lightly browned on both sides and cooked through. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For thicker portions, finish in an oven preheated to 400F (use an ovenproof pan).

  3. Step 3 Plate, garnish and serve

    Put each fillet on a plate and spoon about 2 tablespoons pistachio-parsley pesto over each. Sprinkle reserved chopped pistachios over top and serve with a lemon wedge.

Cooking Technique Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories 503.97kcal, 25%
Total Fat 35.38g, 51%
Carbs 8.1g, 3%
Sugars 2.15g, 2%
Protein 39.24g, 78%
Sodium 309.78mg, 15%
Fiber 2.87g, 10%