Description
Succulent Pesto Salmon Bites showcase delicate fish with herbal Italian notes. Crisp panko coating and zesty pesto create an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- lemon wedges (optional)
- grated parmesan (optional)
- fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: Coat salmon cubes thoroughly with pesto, ensuring each piece is generously covered with herb mixture, then let rest for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Prepare Skillet: Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, creating an even cooking surface for optimal searing.
- Sear Salmon: Arrange marinated salmon bites in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and fish is cooked through.
- Finish and Plate: Transfer salmon to serving platter, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and garnish with lemon wedges and optional additional pesto.
- Serve: Present immediately while salmon remains warm and herbs retain their vibrant, aromatic qualities.
Notes
- Marinate Mindfully: Let salmon absorb pesto flavors between 10-15 minutes for deeper, more complex taste profile without overwhelming fish’s delicate texture.
- Precise Pan Temperature: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining salmon’s moist, tender interior without burning or drying out.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook salmon bites in single layer to ensure even searing and prevent steaming, which can compromise crispy exterior and rich flavor development.
- Quick Serving Strategy: Plate and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature, herb freshness, and prevent salmon from continuing to cook and potentially becoming tough or dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 321 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg