Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon
This maple pecan crusted salmon is marinated, crusted with pecans, and baked to golden deliciousness. It doesn’t get much healthier, easier, or tastier than that!
If you are like me, when it comes to salmon (or other seafood, for that matter) you might be a little choosy with recipes, since good-quality, affordable salmon may not be widely available where you live.
When I lived in landlocked Northern Minnesota, that was certainly the case for me.
But since salmon ranks high up there with foods I love with my whole soul, when I make it, I often stick with my tried-and-true recipes. My anti-risk taking personality might have something to do with that.
I took a risk trying this recipe because it clearly didn’t fit into salmon recipes I’ve tried and loved before, but I trust my friend, Michelle, who gave it to me and know she has great food taste. Don’t you love knowing people like that? Me, too.
I’m here to say that the risk was well worth the taking. In fact, I think this salmon is my all-time favorite preparation so far.
The fish marinates in a simple maple mixture complimented with a few savory flavors and is then crusted with toasted pecans, a bit of salt and baked to golden deliciousness.
What to Serve With This
I am hereby in love with maple marinades. A perfect, perfect flavor profile for my beloved salmon. I served this with steamed broccoli and the ever-fantastic golden skillet potatoes. Winner, winner salmon dinner.
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Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ cup pecans
- Salt for sprinkling
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is warmed through, 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
- While the marinade is cooling, pour the pecans into a dry skillet and heat over medium heat, tossing frequently, until golden and toasted. Remove from heat; let the pecans cool to room temperature and then chop finely.
- Place the salmon fillets in a gallon-sized ziploc bag. Pour the maple marinade over the salmon, coating the salmon pieces evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the toasted, chopped pecans on a plate or shallow pie dish. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator. Dip the top side of each salmon fillet in the pecan crumbs pressing the salmon lightly into the pecans so they adhere to the top of the salmon. Place the fillets pecan-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the salmon with a pinch of salt.
- Bake the salmon for 20-22 minutes until cooked through but still tender inside (not overcooked). The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be soft and not dry.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
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Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Michelle (omitted brown sugar from marinade, simplified baking instructions)
Delicious! Added a little
Pinch of cayenne to the maple
Syrup marinade- everyone loved it!
I love this recipe! I’ve also tried the recipe with pistachios w/ salmon and trout. I loved this recipe I usually buy nuts that have no seasoning.
Tip 1- Don’t overcook the marinade, I’ve done it!
Otherwise if you follow it correctly it’s amazing and worth a try!
This is the best salmon recipe both my husband and I have ever had. I followed the recipe to the letter. I used skinless salmon and would definitely add pecans to both sides next time.
Yummy & super easy. Would definitely make again.