Pan Fried Salmon with Pesto Cream Cheese Sauce
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
455 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pan Fried Salmon with Pesto Cream Cheese Sauce
Description
This recipe begins by bringing 1 pound of salmon cut into four pieces to room temperature to ensure even cooking. The salmon is seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, then cooked skin side down in olive oil over medium-low heat until the skin is golden and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This method delivers a tender interior with a flavorful exterior.
While the salmon cooks, the sauce is prepared by gently warming cream cheese, pesto, and half and half in a small pot until fully combined into a smooth, creamy consistency. The richness of the cream cheese balances the herbal notes of the pesto.
The cooked salmon is spooned with two tablespoons of the pesto cream cheese sauce, which introduces a creamy texture and fresh basil flavor that pairs well with the salmon’s natural richness and slight char. Serving with a lemon slice brightens the plate and can be squeezed on for a fresh citrus contrast.
Key tips include patting the salmon dry before cooking to achieve crispness and not overcrowding the pan for even heat. The sauce should be simmered gently to prevent separation. Serving immediately ensures the salmon retains its optimal texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon cut into 4 pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 2 tablespoons pesto
Instructions
- Bring salmon to room temperature about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-low heat.
- Season fish with salt and pepper, and place salmon skin side down in the pan.
- Cook until golden brown on one side, and flip over on the other side, this should take about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- In a small pot, add half and half, pesto, and cream cheese. Stir together well over low heat until the cream cheese sauce is combined well.
- Spoon about two tablespoons of the pesto cream cheese sauce over the salmon.
- You may want to serve with a lemon slice along with the fish.
Notes
- Bring salmon to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat salmon dry thoroughly to achieve a crisp skin and avoid splattering.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain proper searing temperature.
- Simmer the pesto cream cheese sauce gently to keep it smooth and prevent separation.
- Serve the salmon immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 455 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 455kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 128mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 595mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 643mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 985IU | 20% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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