Pesto Butter Salmon Fillet (Print View)
Tender oven-baked salmon with aromatic pesto butter topping. Quick 30-minute meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
# What You 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 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
08 - Lemon wedges
09 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
02 - In a small bowl, mix softened butter, pesto, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
03 - Place salmon fillets skin-side down on prepared baking tray. Pat dry with paper towels.
04 - Generously spread pesto butter evenly over each salmon fillet.
05 - Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time depends on thickness—start checking at 15 minutes.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The pesto butter transforms ordinary salmon into something extraordinary with almost zero effort
- Twenty minutes from start to finish means this fits into even the most chaotic weeknight schedules
02 -
- Overcooking happens faster than you expect, so start checking for doneness early
- The butter will create a gorgeous pooled sauce around the salmon, perfect for spooning over serving vegetables
03 -
- Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results
- That final quick broil creates a gorgeous golden top that makes the dish look professionally prepared