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Almond crusted salmon with lemon and leek crema is one of my favorite meals in the spring. Everything is fresh and I’m so ready for a lighter meal. But the truth is, I have this year round. I usually serve this with a side of roasted asparagus and my Pesto Fingerling Potatoes. This dish is easy enough to make mid-week but also fancy enough to serve to guests. The best part? You can make and assemble most of this ahead of time.

How to prep and make ahead this recipe

If I’m serving this meal to guests, and serving this meal as noted, I’ll make the crema and the pesto earlier in the day. A couple of hours before my guests arrive, I’ll toss the potatoes with olive oil and get them on the baking sheet ready to go into the oven.

I’ll dredge and coat my salmon and have them waiting in the refrigerator. This way, my kitchen is clean when guests arrive and all I have to do is pop the potatoes in the oven and cook the fish when the time is right.

About 20 minutes before the meal is to be served, I roast the asparagus. Then I toss the cooked potatoes with the pesto, reheat the crema and plate it up. It is beautiful and people always love it. But I digress, let’s get to making this dish.

How to make the Lemon Leek Crema

To start, slice your leeks into thin slices and separate all the layers. Leeks tend to be full of sand and soil and they need to be rinsed really well. I put them in a bowl of cold water and swish them around. The sand will sink to the bottom. Strain the leeks in a mesh strainer. Let them drain.
Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat and melt. Once melted, add the leeks and saute for about 3 minutes. You want them starting to get soft. Add a lid to the skillet (or cover with foil) and cook about 20 minutes until they are very soft. Stir occasionally. Add the lemon juice and cook until it is evaporated. Stir in the cream and simmer a few minutes until it thickens.

Transfer the mixture to a blender and mix until really smooth. Strain the lemon crema through a mesh strainer back into a small pot pressing on the solids to push through as much cream as possible. Discard any remaining solids in the strainer.

Season the crema with salt and pepper. Keep it warm if using right away. You can keep it over very low heat or take it off the heat until you are cooking the salmon and just reheat gently over low heat. You can also make this the day before and let cool completely. Store in a covered container in the fridge until ready to serve. Bring it to room temperature before gently reheating on the stove over low heat.

Making the Almond Crusted Salmon

You are now ready to prep the salmon. Set up a traditional breading station. Put flour on a plate or in a shallow bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. My preference for breading is Wondra flour. If is finely milled and adds the thinnest layer of flour to the salmon. It never clumps, so I almost always use it to bread my protein. If you don’t have it, regular all-purpose flour is fine. In a shallow bowl, add the egg, water and a pinch of salt and pepper and beat it until combined. On another plate or in a shallow bowl, mix the almonds, parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
Salt and pepper the salmon on both sides. Dredge the salmon in the flour coating both sides. Shake off any excess.

Brush the top side of the fish with the egg mixture. (this is the side that will be showing when you plate your fish). Dip that side into the plate of almond mixture pressing down so it sticks. Place the prepared fish on a plate and prep the other piece of salmon. When both fillets are coated in the almond mixture, place the plate of fish in the fridge to set up. I like to chill it for about 30 minutes, but you can cover the fish and keep it in the fridge for several hours. That makes this a great dish to prep way in advance and then just cook off when you are ready to eat.

In a large, non-stick skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the prepped salmon fillets, almond side down and cook until the almonds are brown (about 4-6 minutes). Carefully, flip the fish over and finish cooking for another five minutes or until they are done to your liking.

How to serve the almond crusted salmon and leek and lemon sauce

I place a couple of spoonfuls of the lemon sauce (or more) on the plate, then top with a piece of salmon. Serve with lemon wheels and garnish with parsley for a delicious and yummy seafood dish. I often have extra sauce which I serve on the side. If you find you have a lot of sauce, cover and refrigerate and use with fish or chicken as a sauce or dip.

Frequently Asked Questions – Almond-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Leek Crema

Name: Almond Crusted Salmon With Lemon & Leek Crema
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. Butter; 2 6 Oz. Skinless salmon fillets; 1/3 Cup Sliced almonds, chopped; 2 Tbsp. Fresh parsley, chopped; Zest of one lemon; 1/4 Tsp. Kosher salt; 1/8 Tsp. Fresh ground black pepper; ¼ Cup All purpose flour or Wondra flour; 1 Egg, beaten with a teaspoon of water; 1 Tbsp. Olive oil; 2 Tbsp. Butter; 2 Medium Leeks (white and light green parts), cut in half, rinsed thoroughly and chopped; 3 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice; ½ Cup Heavy cream; Lemon Wheels and Parsley to garnish

General Recipe Questions

How long does it take to cook almond-crusted salmon?

Almond-crusted salmon typically takes 12-15 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness of your fillets. For 1-inch thick fillets, aim for 10-12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.

What temperature should I cook almond-crusted salmon at?

Bake almond-crusted salmon at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This temperature ensures the almond crust becomes golden and crispy while keeping the salmon moist and flaky inside.

Can you make almond-crusted salmon ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the almond crust and apply it to the salmon up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. The lemon leek crema can be made up to 2 days ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Is almond-crusted salmon gluten-free?

Yes, almond-crusted salmon is naturally gluten-free when made with ground almonds instead of breadcrumbs. Always check that your seasonings and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.

Ingredient-Specific Questions

What type of almonds work best for crusted salmon?

Sliced almonds or slivered almonds work best for salmon crusting. You could pulse them in a food processor until they’re roughly chopped but not powdered. This would give you a more “breading” type coating. I prefer the sliced almonds, but this is your choice. Blanched almonds create a lighter-colored crust, while skin-on almonds add more rustic texture and flavor.

Can I substitute other nuts for almonds in crusted salmon?

Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts all work wonderfully. Each nut brings its unique flavor profile – pecans add sweetness, walnuts provide earthiness, and pistachios offer a subtle saltiness.

How do you keep the almond crust from falling off salmon?

To prevent the crust from falling off: pat salmon completely dry, brush with egg wash as a binding agent, press the almond mixture firmly onto the fish, and avoid flipping the salmon while cooking. Note: you could also brush the salmon with Dijon mustard or honey to bind the nut mixture but that does change the flavor profile. Go ahead, “play with your food”.

What’s the difference between leeks and onions in cream sauce?

Leeks have a milder, sweeter flavor than onions with subtle garlic notes. In cream sauces, leeks provide a more delicate, sophisticated taste without the sharp bite of onions. They also have a smoother texture when cooked and pureed.

Lemon Leek Crema Questions

How do you clean leeks properly for cooking?

Cut off the dark green tops and root end, slice the white and light green parts lengthwise, then rinse under cold running water, separating the layers to remove all sand and dirt trapped between them. Dry the leeks well so excess water doesn’t dilute your sauce.

Can lemon leek crema be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.

How long does lemon leek sauce keep in the refrigerator?

Lemon leek crema keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking in a splash of cream or milk if it has thickened too much.

Why is my lemon leek sauce bitter?

Bitterness in leek sauce usually comes from using too much of the dark green parts of the leeks or from overcooking. Stick to the white and light green portions, and cook gently until tender.

Cooking Technique Questions

Should you flip almond-crusted salmon while cooking?

There may be some debate here. You don’t want your almond crust to fall off so you need to be careful when flipping. Start by cooking crust side down and wait until golden brown. Very carefully, use a fish spatula (flipper) and gently “turn over the fish” vs. “flipping it”. Finish cooking. Alternatively, you can bake the fish so you don’t have to flip it at all. Bake it crust-side up and let the oven’s heat cook it evenly from all sides. See Pro Tips below.

How do you know when almond-crusted salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), and the almond crust is golden brown. The fish should be opaque throughout with a slightly darker center.

Nutritional and Dietary Questions

Is almond-crusted salmon keto-friendly?

Yes! Almond-crusted salmon fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Almonds are low in carbs and high in healthy fats, and salmon provides excellent protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How many calories are in almond-crusted salmon?

A typical 6-oz serving of almond-crusted salmon contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of almonds and oil used in the crust.

What nutrients does almond-crusted salmon provide?

This dish is an excellent source of multiple essential nutrients. Salmon provides 2.2-2.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5-ounce serving, plus 570mg EPA and 430mg DHA, along with high levels of vitamin D (up to 687 IU per serving) and 41% of daily protein needs plus vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and selenium. The almond crust contributes vitamin E, magnesium, healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Leeks in the crema provide vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iron.

Sources:

Salmon nutrition: Healthline
Almond nutrition: Healthline
Leek nutrition: Nutrition Advance

Pairing and Serving Questions

What side dishes go best with almond-crusted salmon and lemon leek crema?

Roasted asparagus, roasted rosemary and garlic baby potatoes, wild rice pilaf, steamed broccoli, or a simple arugula salad complement this dish beautifully. The mild flavors pair well with both vegetables and grains.

What wine pairs with almond-crusted salmon?

Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc work excellently with this dish. The creamy leek sauce pairs beautifully with buttery Chardonnay, while the salmon’s richness complements crisp white wines.

Can you serve this dish cold?

While best served hot, leftover almond-crusted salmon can be enjoyed cold in salads or as part of a brunch spread. The lemon leek crema should be served warm for the best flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating

How do you reheat leftover almond-crusted salmon?

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the salmon rubbery.

Can you freeze almond-crusted salmon?

Fresh almond-crusted salmon can be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Don’t freeze after cooking as the texture suffers.

How long is leftover salmon good in the fridge?

Cooked almond-crusted salmon stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Always check for any off odors before consuming.

Troubleshooting

Why is my salmon dry after baking?

Dry salmon usually results from overcooking. Salmon continues cooking after removing from the oven, so take it out when it’s just opaque. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness at 145°F (63°C).

My almond crust burned before the salmon was cooked – what went wrong?

This happens when the heat under the skillet it too hot or the oven temperature is too high or the salmon is too thick. On the stove top, heat should be medium to medium-high. It should not be smoking. If using the oven, lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for thicker fillets, or tent with foil if the crust browns too quickly.

Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw the salmon completely and pat it very dry before applying the crust. Frozen salmon releases more moisture during cooking, which can make the crust soggy.

Pro Tips for cooking the crusted salmon on the stovetop

To keep your almond crust from falling off during the stove top cooking, be sure you brush it really well with the egg wash. Press your almond onto the egg to make sure it “sticks”.
Chill the crusted salmon at least 20 minutes (up to two hours) to allow the crust to set and adhere to the fish.
Make sure the skillet is hot and make sure your the crust is golden brown (not burnt) and the fish isn’t sticking to the pan. It will naturally release from the skillet when it is ready to flip. Use a pair of tongs to gently move the filet . If it easily moves back and forth, it is ready to flip. If it doesn’t move, let it cook another minute, test with tongs again and then gently flip.
Use the right tool for gently turning over your salmon. A fish turner will help you gently turn over the fish. I’ll use my finger or a fork to assist in the process of turning the fish over so I don’t lose any crust. This isn’t a hamburger so don’t just flip it over and hope the crust stays on (LOL).

Did you like this recipe? Be sure to leave comments if you have made it. Want to try other tasty fish and salmon recipes? Check out some of these:

Cedar Plank Salmon in the Oven

Seafood Platter

Panko Crusted Cod

Sheet Pan Lemon Cod on Crispy Garlic Potatoes with Asparagus

Honeyed Roasted Garlic Salmon