Stephan’s Broiled Salmon with Pesto: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Broiled salmon is a weeknight dinner champion. It’s fast, healthy, and incredibly versatile. This recipe for Stephan’s Broiled Salmon with Pesto takes all the best things about broiled salmon and elevates it with the bright, herbaceous flavors of pesto. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. We’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the right salmon to achieving the perfect broil, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Why This Recipe Works

There are countless salmon recipes out there, so why should you choose this one? Here are a few compelling reasons:

* **Speed and Simplicity:** Broiling is one of the quickest ways to cook salmon. From prep to plate, this dish can be ready in under 20 minutes.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of rich salmon and vibrant pesto is a match made in culinary heaven. The pesto adds a layer of complexity and freshness that complements the salmon perfectly.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. This recipe uses minimal oil, making it a healthy and guilt-free choice.
* **Easy Customization:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, add vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Broiling is a relatively clean cooking method, which means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for Stephan’s Broiled Salmon with Pesto:

* **Salmon Fillets:** 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off, depending on your preference. Look for fillets that are about 1 inch thick for even cooking. Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon all work well.
* **Pesto:** 1/4 cup prepared pesto, store-bought or homemade. Basil pesto is the classic choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto. Consider making your own for ultimate freshness and control over ingredients. Homemade pesto is surprisingly easy and tastes infinitely better than most store-bought options. A simple recipe involves fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper, all blended until smooth.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. This will help prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan and add a touch of richness.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice brightens the flavor of the salmon and complements the pesto. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant taste of fresh. Limes can also be used as a citrus alternative.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for its superior aroma and taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh basil leaves, lemon wedges, or pine nuts for serving. Garnishes add visual appeal and can enhance the overall dining experience.

Equipment You’ll Need

Make sure you have the following equipment on hand before you start:

* **Broiler:** Your oven’s broiler setting.
* **Baking Sheet:** A sturdy baking sheet to cook the salmon on.
* **Aluminum Foil (Optional):** To line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For flipping the salmon, if necessary.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the olive oil and lemon juice.
* **Pastry Brush or Spoon:** For brushing the salmon with the olive oil mixture.
* **Meat Thermometer (Optional):** To ensure the salmon is cooked to the correct internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create delicious broiled salmon with pesto:

**Step 1: Prepare the Salmon**

* Preheat your broiler to high. Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler. The distance is key; too close and the salmon will burn before it cooks through, too far and it won’t brown properly.
* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the salmon to brown better. Excess moisture will steam the salmon instead of allowing it to broil and get slightly crispy edges.
* If using, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup much easier. Make sure the foil is smooth and wrinkle-free for even heat distribution.
* Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Ensure the fillets are spaced apart so they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of broil.

**Step 2: Season the Salmon**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This mixture will help to keep the salmon moist and add flavor.
* Brush the olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Make sure to coat all surfaces, including the sides.
* Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to season well, as the salmon can handle it. The seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish.

**Step 3: Broil the Salmon**

* Carefully place the baking sheet with the salmon under the broiler. Watch it closely, as broiling can be very fast. The salmon can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked in a matter of seconds.
* Broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the strength of your broiler. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the fillet.
* If the top of the salmon is browning too quickly, you can lower the baking sheet further from the broiler or tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the salmon from burning.

**Step 4: Add the Pesto**

* Remove the salmon from the broiler and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fillet.
* Spread the pesto evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure an even coating. Don’t add the pesto before broiling, as it can burn under the high heat.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, lemon wedges, or pine nuts, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy! This salmon is delicious on its own or with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa. A simple salad is also a great complement.

## Tips for Perfect Broiled Salmon

* **Choose the Right Salmon:** Look for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a vibrant color and a firm texture. Avoid salmon that looks dull or smells fishy. Sockeye and King salmon are richer and more flavorful, while Coho and Pink salmon are milder. Atlantic salmon is widely available and a good all-around choice.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The salmon should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
* **Adjust Broiling Time:** The broiling time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and the strength of your broiler. Keep a close eye on the salmon and adjust the time accordingly.
* **Use a Hot Pan:** A hot baking sheet will help the salmon cook evenly and prevent it from sticking. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the salmon.
* **Pat the Salmon Dry:** Patting the salmon dry with paper towels removes excess moisture and allows it to brown better under the broiler. Excess moisture will steam the salmon instead of allowing it to broil and get slightly crispy edges.
* **Experiment with Pesto:** Don’t be afraid to try different types of pesto. Sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a homemade pesto with different herbs can all be delicious.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can broil vegetables alongside the salmon for a complete meal. Asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are all good choices. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before broiling.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Garlic Lovers:** Rub the salmon fillets with a clove of minced garlic before broiling.
* **Herb Infusion:** Sprinkle fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme over the salmon before broiling.
* **Honey-Glazed Salmon:** Brush the salmon with a mixture of honey and soy sauce before broiling for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Different Fish:** This recipe also works well with other types of fish, such as trout, cod, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Pesto Alternatives:** If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can use a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. A chimichurri sauce would also be a great substitute.

## Serving Suggestions

Broiled salmon with pesto is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the salmon with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
* **Over Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious pesto sauce.
* **With a Salad:** Serve the salmon with a fresh green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing will complement the flavors of the salmon and pesto.
* **In a Sandwich or Wrap:** Flake the salmon and add it to a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of pesto.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the salmon into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer with crackers or crostini.
* **Pasta Dish:** Toss cooked pasta with the broiled salmon and pesto for a quick and easy meal.

## Making Pesto at Home

While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade basil pesto:

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
* 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

Stephan’s Broiled Salmon with Pesto is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its vibrant flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, fire up your broiler and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!