With the holidays right around the corner, I’m always looking for new recipes to serve my guests. This sweet & savory maple pecan and walnut crusted salmon is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next holiday gathering.
The salmon is generously seasoned with a homemade spice rub, then topped with a crunchy maple pecan and walnut crust. It gets baked until the nuts are golden brown and the salmon flakes with a fork.
This dish is easy enough to make for a family weeknight dinner, and fancy enough to bring to your next holiday gathering or dinner party. You can make this with smaller filets, or a large piece of salmon as pictured for a larger crowd.
The walnuts and pecans add delicious savory flavor, and the maple syrup adds the perfect balance of sweetness.
Ingredients you’ll need:
Starting off with our simple ingredient list, here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Salmon- I used a 2 lb filet of skin-on salmon.
- ¼ cup pecans + ¼ cup walnuts- I finely chopped the nuts using a chef’s knife. You can pulse them in a blender for a finer crust
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup- the maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to this recipe that pairs so well with the other flavors. If preferred, you can use honey instead
- Spices: chipotle powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt & pepper
- ¼ cup parsley
- Olive oil
How to make Maple Pecan and Walnut Crusted Salmon
Step 1: Season the salmon
Combine the spices together in a small bowl and press them into the salmon
Step 2: Create the crust
Finely chop the walnuts and pecans using a sharp knife. Add them to a bowl with the maple syrup, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil
Step 3: Coat the salmon
Press the crumb mixture into the salmon, making to sure evenly coat the fish
Step 4: Bake the salmon
Bake your fish for around 20-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fish
How long should you bake the salmon
Baking time will vary depending on a few things:
- the size of the fish- a larger and thicker filet will take closer to 20 minutes
- the type of baking dish- glass cookware is slower to heat so may require additional cook time (extra 10-12 minutes)
- preferred doneness- if you like your salmon well done, I would add another 10 minutes to the suggested cook time
You’ll know your salmon is cooked when a fork comes out easily without resistance, or the thickest part of the fish flakes easily
What to serve with your maple pecan and walnut crusted salmon
If you plan on serving this for a holiday dinner, I love adding a pop of color to the serving platter with roasted rainbow carrots, microgreens and pomegranate seeds. The flavors pair so well together while creating an eye-catching entree that’s flavorful and packed with omega-3 fats.
Maple Pecan and Walnut Crusted Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs salmon
- ¼ cup pecans
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
Top with
- Microgreens
- Pomegranate seeds
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F
- Place the salmon onto a parchment lined sheet pan. Combine the spices together in a small bowl and press them into the salmon filet.
- Finely chop the walnuts and pecans using a sharp knife, or pulse in a food processor. Add the chopped nuts to a bowl with the maple syrup, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil, about 1 tbsp. Combine together until evenly incorporated
- Press the crumb mixture into the salmon, making to sure evenly coat the fish. Lightly drizzle the top with olive oil.
- Bake your fish for around 20-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fish
- Garnish with microgreens and pomegranate seeds
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