Pesto Butter Salmon Fillets (Printable)
Succulent salmon fillets oven-baked with rich, herby pesto butter for a flavorful and moist dinner ready in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless or skin-on
→ Pesto Butter
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
06 - ½ tsp salt
07 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
08 - Lemon wedges
09 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, pesto, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
03 - Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking tray. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
04 - Generously spread the pesto butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, ensuring complete coverage.
05 - Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Begin checking doneness at 15 minutes, adjusting time based on fillet thickness.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The pesto butter keeps the salmon incredibly moist while creating this gorgeous golden crust on top
- It comes together in literally 10 minutes of active work but tastes like something from a nice restaurant
02 -
- Salmon keeps cooking after it leaves the oven, so pull it when it is slightly underdone for the most tender results
- Patting the salmon completely dry before adding the butter mixture helps it actually stick instead of sliding right off
03 -
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for about 15 minutes before you start
- If your fillets are different thicknesses, check the thinner ones a few minutes earlier