Pistachio-Basil Pesto w. Pan Fried Salmon
One of my favorite fish is salmon. Full of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, salmon is one of the most nutritious and beneficial fish for you. I have a few friends who have mentioned not liking it due to its “fishiness” but as I’m sure at least some of you have heard, fish that smells like fish is not exactly fresh. In fact, I have thrown out several filets that smelled pretty fishy beforehand and tasted even fishier after cooking them – FYI, ocean smells do NOT go away with cooking.
So what’s my [mostly] foolproof method for selecting fresh, unscented fish?
Smell it before purchasing. Yes. I realize how ridiculous this sounds and how crazy you look when you’re smelling a raw piece of fish that the butcher has held out in front of you but trust me, it works. My local butcher shop doesn’t even flinch when I ask so I’m guessing it’s a pretty typical question.
p.s. I laughed when my mom suggested this tip but then a few hours later, delicious salmon in plate, I called and sheepishly admitted how right she was.
TGIF.
PISTACHIO-BASIL PESTO WITH PAN FRIED SALMON
INGREDIENTS
2 salmon filets, seasoned
1 T butter
1 T lemon juice
pesto
8 basil leaves
4 T butter
1 T pistachios
1 T lemon juice
1 garlic clove
Ground pistachios and chopped basil, garnishes
DIRECTIONS
Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat. Place seasoned salmon on top and cook until fully cooked through, about 4-8 minutes per side depending on the thickness of each filet. Remove from heat and sprinkle lemon juice over top.
While salmon is cooking, combine basil, butter, pistachios, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend until fully combined. Serve overtop hot salmon.
Garnish salmon with pistachios and basil.
