Salmon is like the superhero of the fish world—easy to cook, versatile, and full of flavor. This almond-crusted version, paired with a honey garlic sauce, is basically a flavor explosion on a plate. Last week, I whipped up this dish while juggling a Zoom call and, let me tell you, it was the highlight of my chaotic day.
Steps
- Prepare the honey garlic sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste, then set the sauce aside for later use.
- Combine finely chopped roasted almonds and sesame seeds on a plate. Brush one tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon fillets evenly.
- Press the top side of each salmon fillet into the almond and sesame seed mixture, ensuring they are coated well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets, crust side down, into the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, checking to prevent the crust from burning.
- Flip the salmon fillets and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a serving dish and drizzle with the reserved honey garlic sauce. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds of salmon, cut into 4 fillets
- 3/4 cup of roasted salted almonds, finely chopped or coarsely ground
- 1/4 cup of sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2096kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 144g | Fat: 132g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 308mg | Sodium: 2268mg | Potassium: 3784mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Calcium: 716mg | Iron: 15.2mg
FAQ
- How do you prepare the almond crust for the salmon?
- To make the almond crust, combine finely chopped roasted almonds and sesame seeds. Coat the top of each salmon fillet with this mixture before cooking.
- What is the honey garlic sauce made of?
- The sauce is a simple blend of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
- How can you prevent the almond crust from burning?
- Keep an eye on the salmon while cooking, especially the crust. Cook the fillets crust side down and monitor them closely to avoid burning.
- What can you serve with almond crusted salmon?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice and a side of green vegetables for a balanced meal.
- How long does it take to cook almond crusted salmon?
- Typically, it takes about 5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, for the salmon to reach the desired level of doneness.
Tips
- To prevent the almond crust from burning, keep a close eye on it while cooking and adjust the heat as necessary.
- Start steaming your rice as you begin preparing the salmon to ensure both are ready at the same time for a complete meal.
- For a more evenly coated crust, press the salmon fillets firmly into the almond and sesame seed mixture.
- Consider garnishing the finished dish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Equipment
- Food Processor – for finely chopping or coarsely grinding roasted almonds.
- Large Non-Stick Pan – for searing the salmon fillets to perfection.
