Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon

 

 

This recipe is divine.  My kids wouldn't touch it, but my husband said it was "AMAZING."  And that's saying something because he doesn't throw around food compliments.  I served it with brown rice and a spinach salad.  Thank you to the recipe source Mel's Kitchen Café for making my day! 

 

Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon

 

Ingredients

• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 cup pecans (I will use more pecans next time)
• Salt for sprinkling
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is warmed through, 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. While the marinade is cooling, pour the pecans into a dry skillet and heat over medium heat, tossing frequently, until golden and toasted. Remove from heat; let the pecans cool to room temperature and then chop finely.
3. Place the salmon fillets in a gallon-sized ziploc bag. Pour the maple marinade over the salmon, coating the salmon pieces evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Place the toasted, chopped pecans on a plate or shallow pie dish. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator. Dip the top side of each salmon fillet in the pecan crumbs pressing the salmon lightly into the pecans so they adhere to the top of the salmon. Place the fillets pecan-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle the salmon with a pinch of salt.
7. Bake the salmon for 20-22 minutes until cooked through but still tender inside (not overcooked). The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be soft and not dry.
8. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.