Every time I bake salmon in the oven like this, I am so happy I did.
It’s so easy.
Just pop some veg in a baking dish. Top with fish. Bake in a hot oven for about 10 minutes.
No need to keep a constant watch on your frying pan.
No fishy smells in the house afterwards.
Easy cleanup too.
The nut crust also deserves a mention. I love how it adds texture, flavour and substance to this simple supper. With minimal effort.
Draining the yoghurt makes it a little thicker so the nuts stick to the fish like a proper crust.
But if you can’t be bothered, it’s still good with the yoghurt drizzled over as a sauce.
If it’s not asparagus season for you now, don’t let that stop you from enjoying this! Just see the variations for alternative veg ideas.
And a quick word about nuts.
I’ve used a combo of macadamias, almonds and walnuts but any of these on their own are also delicious. I’ve tested them separately and I had a slight preference for walnuts and my Irishman preferred the macadamias.
Need to try it with pine nuts or pistachios too!
Baked Salmon with Crunchy Nut Crust
Ingredients
- 200 g (7oz) Greek yoghurt
- 2 bunches asparagus see variations for alternatives
- 1 lemon halved
- 2 salmon or other fish fillets
- small bunch parsley leaves
- 100 g (3.5oz) roast nuts, chopped
Instructions
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Line a sieve with a few pieces of paper towel or a cheese cloth. Scoop youghurt into the sieve and place it on top of a bowl to catch the liquid that drains out. Place in the fridge while you cook the fish.
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Turn your oven to 250C (480F). Trim the asparagus by snapping off the bottom of the spears (about an inch). Place asparagus and lemon halves in the base of a baking dish. Drizzle with a little oil. Top with fish fillets (skin side up). Sprinkle with salt.
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Pop in the oven and set your timer for 10 minutes.
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When the timer rings, check the fish. You want it to look golden brown and when you poke it with a knife the flesh should flake and not look raw in the middle. If it’s not cooked through return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes.
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When the fish is cooked. Divide asparagus and lemon between two plates. Toss in parsley leaves. Place a piece of fish on the side. Get the yoghurt out of the fridge. Spread the thickened yoghurt on top of the fish and press the nuts on top to form the crust.
Recipe Video
WINE MATCH: A well chilled white. Chardonnay is always excellent with salmon.
NET CARBS: 13g/serve.
Baked Salmon with Crunchy Nut Crust Variations & Substitutions
no asparagus / different vegetables – you want something that will cook quickly or that you don’t mind if it’s still crunchy like asparagus. Snowpeas, green beans, sugar snap peas, broccolini, chopped broccoli, sliced zucchini or red peppers all spring to mind.
keto / ultra low carb – skip the yoghurt.
vegetarian – replace fish with fried or poached eggs or drained canned or home cooked chickpeas. Or use chunks of avocado.
dairy-free – use hummus or almond hummus instead of the yoghurt. A dollop of mayo will also work.
no yoghurt – see the dairy-free ideas above or replace with 100g (3.5oz) soft cheese like goats cheese or ricotta.
nut-free – toasted bread crumbs or just skip the crust.
more substantial (carb lovers) – toss in boiled spuds with the asparagus. Or serve with roast sweet potato or steamed rice or other cooked grains.
more substantial (low carb) – extra nuts. extra fish. extra veg!
Low FODMAP – replace asparagus with boiled potatoes. Use macadamias as the nuts. And use lactose free yoghurt.
different protein – Any fish fillets can be used. Whole fish is another option but will require a longer cooking time depending on the size. Chicken breast or thigh fillets can also be used – adjust cooking time as needed. The roast asparagus, drained yoghurt and nuts are all lovely with pre-cooked or canned fish. Eggs – poached or fried are also options.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
yoghurt – usually has a shelf life of a month or so. Otherwise, have it for another meal like breakfast! Don’t freeze.
asparagus – can be frozen but best to use for another meal.
lemon – whole lemon will keep wrapped in a plastic bag in the fridge for months.
salmon or other fish fillets – freeze them.
parsley – will keep in the fridge wrapped in a plastic bag for a few weeks. Can be frozen or make a parsley oil by packing the leaves into a clean jar and covering with extra virgin olive oil.
roast nuts – keep them in the pantry.
Prepare Ahead
Yes! Just cook as per the recipe but keep the yoghurt and nuts separately. The yoghurt can be drained for up to 48 hours ahead. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. The drained yoghurt will keep for longer if you scoop it into an airtight jar. The cooked fish and veg can be frozen. Don’t freeze the yoghurt. Serve chilled or warm in the oven then top with yoghurt and nuts as per the recipe.
More Recipes Similar to Baked Salmon with Crunchy Nut Crust
- Baked Fish + Kale Chips
- Super Easy Smoked Salmon Spinach Tart
- Fish with Lime & Miso Butter
- Spiced Salmon with Almond ‘Hummus’
- Fish Tacos with Easy Coriander Hot Sauce
- Rosemary Macadamia Salsa Salmon
- Salmon with Spiced Butter & Broccoli
- Fish with Olive Lemon Salsa
- Indian Spiced Salmon with Minty Yoghurt
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x
Can I drop the fish in the yoghurt nut mix before baking?
You could Adele.. but the texture will be different – the yooghurt will be thinner when warmed and the nuts won’t be as crunchy. Plus you’ll lose the temperature contrast between the hot fish and cool creamy yoghurt.
Plus this way it’s wuicker to get the fish in the oven on its own and then you can prep the nuts and yoghurt while the fish is cooking :)
Do I put the toppings on the skin or flip the fish over first?
Either way Batbara – I generally put them on the skin
Really, really liked this and the combination scored well for spouse and self on DayTwo app.
Next time will use a shallower baking dish to get the heat to the fish and veg faster. Delicious, satisfying crunch and creaminess. Great excuse to eat asparagus in winter, or maybe broccolini, or fresh baby bock choy. Thanks Jules.
OMG! This was the best salmon I have had in ages!. And the family (who don’t like salmon) appreciated the lack of smell due to it being baked in the oven. This will be my go-to salmon recipe in future. Served it on a large bed of mixed salad leaves and used broccoli instead of asparagus (florets were a tad crispy, but still yum!) Thank you, Jules!!!
Oh so glad you enjoyed Allison!