This recipe for Seared Salmon Fillets with Pistachio Basil Butter is elegant enough for company, and yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Salmon is always a favorite at our house and hopefully it's a favorite at yours too. Miso Salmon Burgers are light and refreshing. Baked Salmon Salad Spread is delicious as an appetizer and Jammin' Salmon is a combination of flavors you wouldn't expect to work, but it does!
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Table of Contents Found Here
How this recipe came to be:
I cannot take credit for this fabulous recipe for these seared salmon fillets, although I sure wish I could. This recipe comes from a cookbook called The Quick Six Fix - 100 No-Fuss, Full-Flavor Recipes - by Stuart O'Keeffe. He's a cutie, don't you think? And, if you could only hear his Irish accent! *swoon*
I've been wracking my brain trying to remember where I first saw Stuart on TV. I remember it was some cooking reality show (one of my weaknesses) involving caterers (I think), but the rest escapes me. If anyone out there remembers, please put me out of my misery and let me know in the comment section. I will be forever grateful.
But now, back to the recipe...
My husband and I LOVED this recipe! I don't cook salmon very often, although we both do like it. So when I saw this particular recipe on page 98, and it also called for pistachios (another HUGE weakness in my life), I knew this was the recipe I had to try first. And, if you can believe this, I didn't make any changes to Stuart's original recipe except that I added more pistachios than what the cookbook suggested. Because, pistachios! 🙂
Recommended cooking method
I recommend using a cast iron skillet for searing the salmon fillets, but if you don't have one, please don't let is detour you from making this recipe.
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That said, you will need a skillet that is oven-safe because once you sear the salmon on the stove top, the remainder of the cooking is done in the oven (as per the cookbook instructions).
However, you can always add the salmon to a different oven-proof dish, and that will work too. I've got your back!
Make it a complete meal:
Crunchy, healthy, and completely addictive. This Sunflower Crunch Kale and Cabbage Salad has it ALL going on!! You're going to love this colorful salad!
Caramelized Roasted Red Potatoes with Lemongrass, Garlic and Cilantro are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They're an easy yet impressive side dish to serve family or guests.
Italian Herb Quick Bread comes together in a snap with only one bowl, one spoon, and no kneading required. It's fast, easy, and super delicious!
Black and Blue Berry Gelato is a deliciously flavored, not-too-sweet, creamy frozen treat with amazing flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
The step by step photo instructions:
Rough chop or crush shelled pistachios. Dry the salmon fillets on paper towels. Assemble all ingredients; canola oil, crushed pistachios, butter, lime, red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper, and salmon fillets
Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Sear the salmon on both sides in the canola in a large, hot skillet. Remove the salmon to a plate. Melt the butter. Add the pistachios, red pepper flakes, and lime juice.
Stir to combine all the ingredients. Return the fillets back into the skillet and put the skilled in a preheated 375 degree oven for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon the pistachio butter over the fillets. Garnish with chopped, fresh basil leaves and serve.
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Printable Recipe Card
Salmon Fillets with Pistachio Basil Butter
Equipment
- cast iron skillet optional
- large oven safe skillet optional
- nut chopper optional
Ingredients
- 4 6 ounce salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped
- 1 medium lime juiced
- ½ teaspoon dried chili flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons butter softened
- 8 fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)
- Roughly chop the pistachios and set aside.
- Preheat a large skillet on medium/high heat.
- Dry the salmon fillets with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the canola oil to the skillet and immediately add the fish fillets.
- Sear the salmon on both sides (approximately 3 minutes per side).
- Remove the salmon to a plate and reduce the heat to the skillet to low.
- Add the butter to the skillet along with the chopped pistachios, red pepper flakes and lime juice. Stir to combine.
- Return the salmon back to the skillet and place the skillet into the preheated oven for approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon the butter and pistachio sauce over the fish.
- Garnish with basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Amy says
I think it was a Bravo show called Private Chefs of Beverly Hills from 2009-10. I hope this helps. I hate it when I know something but can’t remember the when or where. Have a great day.
Renée says
OMGosh! I do believe you're right.
I sort of remember that show even though I don't honestly remember any of the chef's on it except for Stuart because he is a cutie.
Thanks, Amy! I'll sleep better now. lol
Renee
Cathy | Lemon Tree Dwelling says
I've never met a salmon I didn't like...and the pistachios on this sound amazing!
Cookin Canuck says
What a gorgeous salmon dish! We eat pistachios by the handful here and I can imagine they add wonderful flavor to the fish.
Renée says
I do too, Dara. They are one of my many favorite nuts.
Dee says
This sounds so tasty, and I love that it's fairly easy!
Renée says
Thanks, Dee. It's VERY easy. Anyone could make this recipe and be successful!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
Wow! I'm all over that pistachio basil butter! Looks amazing!
Renée says
Right? It's amazing, Justine!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a lovely looking dish! I have a weakness for pistachios, too, so I'm sure I'd devour this! Great that you've added step-by-step photos -- always helpful!
Renée says
Thanks so much, Patricia! I love adding the step-by-step photos because I think they may be really helpful for those who need the visual. I tend to be a visual learner so that's why I do it!
Brandy | Nutmeg Nanny says
What a great salmon dish! YUM!
Renée says
I agree, Brandy. Chef Stuart O'Keeffe really knows his stuff.
Katerina @ diethood .com says
What a wonderful dish!! AND that butter...Wow!!
Renée says
Everything's better with butter, and pistachio butter is even better! Thanks, Katerina!
Jenny Hartin says
That dish looks great! Thank you!
Renée says
My pleasure!!! 🙂