Pecan Crusted Salmon is an easy seafood entrée that will have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. This delicious baked salmon recipe includes sweet and spicy honey mustard glazed fillets with a crunchy pecan panko topping.
I don't know about you, but at the end of the day I'm looking for delicious, relatively healthy, and easy to make dinner recipes. My Beef and Sugar Snap Pea Stir Fry, 30 Minute Vegetable and Bean Chili, and Baked and Glazed Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs check all the boxes for my kind of dinners.
Jump to:
- what's to love about pecan crusted salmon
- ingredients
- ingredient substitutions and additions
- how to make pecan crusted salmon
- chef tips for preparing pecan crusted salmon
- how to pick fresh fish at the market
- what to serve with baked pecan crusted salmon
- more delicious seafood recipes
- just one more thing
- Recipe
what's to love about pecan crusted salmon
This salmon recipe is one of the easiest ones to prepare. Glaze fresh salmon with a simple yet flavorful honey mustard sauce. Then top the super healthy fish with a crunchy pecan and panko mixture and bake to deliciousness. And the recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes. You have to try this recipe!
ingredients
With just a few ingredients, an out of this world pecan crusted salmon dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
- salmon fillets
- Dijon mustard
- honey
- salted butter
- garlic
- pecans
- plain panko
- parsley
- kosher salt
- pepper
Scroll to the recipe for the full quantities of the ingredients.
ingredient substitutions and additions
- In place of the salmon, try artic char, halibut, sea bass or cod.
- Try walnuts, almonds, macadamia or cashews instead of the pecans. Be sure to use unsalted nuts.
- Plain breadcrumbs can be substituted for the panko. But the topping won't have the same crispy crunch.
how to make pecan crusted salmon
- Preheat the oven ~ A hot oven is best for baking the salmon and crisping the pecan panko topping. Set the oven at 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet ~ here's my favorite ¼ size baking sheet pan ~ with parchment paper. Place salmon filets in the pan.
- Make honey mustard glaze ~ Just 2 ingredients - Dijon mustard and honey.
- Prepare the pecan panko topping ~ Melt the butter, add garlic, chopped pecans, panko, parsley, and a sprinkle of kosher salt and pepper.
- Top the salmon ~ Evenly divide the crunchy topping between the salmon fillets.
- Bake ~ About 15 minutes is all that is needed for perfectly cooked pecan crusted salmon.
chef tips for preparing pecan crusted salmon
- Buy the freshest fish available ~ Skip any seafood that smells fishy or like ammonia. Also, for the best flavor cook salmon the day you buy it.
- Finely chop the pecans ~ Raw and unsalted pecans are my first choice for pecan crusted salmon. But feel free to substitute your favorite kind of nut. Walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds are all good options. Just make sure to finely chop any nut you choose. The small pieces of nut blend well with the light and flaky panko.
- Take the temperature of the salmon ~ A frequently asked question from my readers is how to cook salmon so it is not underdone or overcooked and dry. I highly recommend getting a instant read digital thermometer. Perfectly cooked salmon or any other fish should be cooked 145 degrees F or 63 degrees C.
how to pick fresh fish at the market
A good rule of thumb when buying fish is to make sure it is the freshest available. Get to know your fishmonger. A knowledgeable fish merchant will be invaluable in helping pick the freshest fish.
The seafood should not have a fishy or ammonia smell. The fish should be firm to the touch, and the color should be vibrant. If it still has its skin, the scales should be shiny. If there is any liquid surrounding the fish, it should be clear and not milky.
what to serve with baked pecan crusted salmon
When you serve this salmon dish, it is the star of the meal. Some side dishes that complement pecan crusted salmon include Roasted Fall Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg, Crispy Oven Fries, Baked and Stuffed Coconut Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflower Rice Pilaf, and Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries.
more delicious seafood recipes
- Baked Cod with Crispy Garlic Panko
- Salmon Baked in Foil
- Baked Salmon with Creamy Coconut Spinach Sauce
- Baked Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes
- Mussels Marinara
- Mini Crab Cake Sandwiches with Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato
just one more thing
If you make this easy and delicious recipe for pecan salmon, I'd love hearing from you. Be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating ~ I do my best to reply to all your comments. And snap a photo to post to Instagram. I'll add the photos to my Insta stories as I love seeing all your creations.
Also check out my Facebook and Pinterest pages for lots of fabulous foodie stories, videos, cooking tips, and recipes.
Recipe
Pecan Crusted Salmon with Honey Mustard
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- ¼ chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup panko
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- kosher salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a ¼ size baking sheet pan with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets in the pan. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add the Dijon mustard and honey and stir to combine.
- Spread the honey mustard mixture on each of the salmon fillets.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter. When the butter has melted and begins to foam, turn down the heat to medium low. Add the garlic, pecans, and panko and stir to coat with the melted butter. Add the parsley, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir to combine. Remove from the heat.
- Divide the pecan panko mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Press down slightly.
- Bake the salmon for 14 to 16 minutes or until the internal temperature is about 145 degrees F on a digital thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Video
Notes
- Buy the freshest fish available ~ Skip any seafood that smells fishy or like ammonia. Also, for the best flavor cook salmon the day it is purchased.
- Finely chop the pecans ~ Raw and unsalted pecans are my first choice for pecan crusted salmon. But feel free to substitute your favorite kind of nut. Walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds are all good options. Just make sure to finely chop any nut you choose. The small pieces of nut blend well with the light and flaky panko.
- Take the temperature of the salmon ~ The number 1 question I get is how to cook salmon so it is not underdone or overcooked and dry. I highly recommend getting a instant read digital thermometer. Perfectly cooked salmon or any fish should cook to 145 degrees F or 63 degrees C.
Ann says
How do I reheat this without over-cooking?
Amy Casey says
Hi Ann ~ I recommend using your microwave. Heat the salmon on a microwave safe plate. Cover with a paper towel. Heat on 60% power at 30 second intervals. 1 piece should take about 60-90 seconds. Let the salmon sit for a minute or so after heating as it will continue to warm up. Thanks for your comment.
Hayley Dhanecha says
Pecan and lemon, what a delicious combination to use for any recipe. This crusted salmon sounds so amazing, quick and easy.
Amy Casey says
Thanks Hayley!
Moop Brown says
This salmon seems like the perfect dinner entree for a weeknight meal. Looking forward to trying it.
Amy Casey says
Awesome! I hope you enjoy my recipe Moop.
Nicole washington says
Aww man, this looks delicious! I love how crispy and flavorful this looks!
Lauren Michael Harris says
I love pecan crusted salmon, but the honey mustard took the flavor to a whole new level. This recipe was amazing - will definitely make it again!
Amy Casey says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Amy Casey says
I couldn't agree more Lauren. Thanks for sharing.
Mikayla says
My husband especially enjoys salmon and he raved about the sweet nutty flavor this had. I will make it again!
Amy Casey says
I love to hear that Mikayla.
Kayla DiMaggio says
My husband is a huge salmon lover and I have to admit, I normally stick to my same spices and recipe because I don't adventure much, however I came across your recipe and it was amazing! I loved the crunchy bite of the pecans and the sweetness of the honey mustard. Totally will be making this again!
Amy Casey says
I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed my recipe Kayla.
Jenny says
Delicious salmon in 30 minutes is stealing. Thanks for sharing this lovely peanut crusted honey mustard recipe.
Amy Casey says
You are welcome Jenny 🙂
Erin says
This salmon was perfect for us! Quick, easy and so tasty. Thanks a ton!
Amy Casey says
Any time Erin 🙂
veenaazmanov says
Nutty and flavorful. Love that it is Salmon. Sea food is yummy. Amazing platter.
Amy Casey says
Thank you so much!
Raksha Kamat says
Why did'nt I see this recipe before? I make so many seafood recipes and this pecan crusted salmon with honey and mustard glazed fillets is just amazing. Best part is it gets ready in less than 30 minutes.
Amy Casey says
Don't you just love tasty 30 minute recipes?