Fresh, heart-healthy salmon filets, pan-seared and finished with the most delicious crunchy topping of pistachios, basil, and mint. Lovely for entertaining, but easy and fast enough to make on a weeknight!
Ingredients
4fresh salmon filets, skin on (approximately 6 ounces each)
1/2cuppistachios, shelled
1/2cupfresh basil
2-3tablespoonsfresh mint
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oilplus extra for the pan
juice of 1 lemon
kosher salt
freshly-ground black pepper
extra-virgin olive oil
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Instructions
To prepare the topping, finely chop pistachios, basil, and mint. Combine in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few turns of freshly-ground black pepper; stir to blend.
To sear the salmon, set a large cast-iron or stainless skillet over medium-high heat. Using a paper towel or clean dishcloth, pat the salmon dry, then season each filet with a light sprinkle of kosher salt. When the skillet is hot, add just enough olive oil to coat the bottom; allow the oil about 1 minute to warm up.
Carefully place salmon filets in the skillet, skin-side down. Do not poke, prod, or touch them until they’re ready to flip! You will be able to see each filet change color, bottom to top, as it cooks. They’re ready to flip when cooked about 3/4 of the way to the top, likely 5-6 minutes, depending on the thickness. Using a large, sturdy spatula, and flipping away from you to avoid oil splatters, turn each filet to cook 2-3 minutes on the other side, just until cooked through and flaky.
Remove salmon from skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes on a paper-towel lined plate. Top each filet with generous spoonfuls of the pistachio-herb topping, and serve.
Notes
For best results, remove the salmon filets from the fridge 15-20 minutes before you start cooking; if they are very cold when they hit the hot skillet, they may cook unevenly and even shrink a bit.If you prefer, you can also bake the salmon filets at 400 degrees F (200 C) for 15-20 minutes, just until cooked through and beginning to flake. Top as directed, and enjoy!Adapted from The Whole Cook.