Description
This Almond Crusted Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets topped with a flavorful mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, lemon, and crunchy chopped almonds, baked to perfection. It’s a healthy, elegant dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (5 to 6 oz per fillet)
Almond Crust
- ½ cup raw almonds
Topping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ¼ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Salmon: Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Let the salmon sit at room temperature while you prepare the almond crust topping.
- Chop Almonds: Roughly chop the raw almonds with a knife or pulse them in a food processor until you achieve coarsely chopped pieces. Set aside the chopped almonds.
- Make the Dijon Mixture: In a bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, and the juice from a quarter of a lemon. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well until fully combined.
- Assemble the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets into a lined baking dish or sheet. Spoon the Dijon mixture evenly over each fillet and spread with the back of a spoon or brush to cover the surface.
- Add Almond Crust: Sprinkle the chopped almonds evenly over the Dijon-coated salmon fillets. Gently press the almonds into the salmon so that they adhere well to the topping.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice brightens the flavor of the topping.
- Be careful not to overbake the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- You can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
- Serving suggestion: pair the salmon with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
