Easy pistachio crusted salmon recipe has crunchy pistachio crust on top of deliciously tender salmon. Make it in under 30 minutes for a weekday meal, but it still can feel a bit fancier for a special occasion.
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using aluminum foil spray the foil lightly with a spray cooking oil.
Dry the salmon filets well between paper towels Place the salmon on the baking sheet. If your salmon has skin, place it skin side down.
With a silicone brush or a butter knife, spread Dijon mustard evenly over the salmon filets.
On a cutting board with a sharp knife roughly chop the pistachios and set to the side. Grate the parmesan cheese into a small bowl and set to the side. Peel and mince the garlic close and set to the side.
In a small bowl add pistachios, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice, honey, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix well until combined.
With your hands gently pack the pistachio mixture on top of the salmon filets. Pack this mixture generously as this will become the crunchy crust topping to the salmon.
Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes or until the fish easily flakes when gently pulled with a fork. A meat thermometer it should be at an internal temperature of about 145° F when ready. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
I have found two 6 ounces filets feeds our small family of three well. This recipe is really easy to double or triple.If the salmon has pin bones (small white bones along the filet) you can learn how to remove pin bones from salmon here. Many salmon filets come prepared from the store or market without pin bones. It's important to remove these small bones if your salmon has them. Pin bones should not be eaten and can quickly become a choking hazard for children if not removed before serving.