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Keto Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon 🐟🧀

Published: · Updated: by · 5 Comments

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Get ready to be wowed by our star dish: Keto Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon! This dish features perfectly baked salmon topped with mustard, melted butter, crushed Gouda Moon Cheese, and crunchy pecans. It's a fantastic option for lunch or dinner, keeping you satisfied and nourished. Let's dive right in and make this incredible recipe.

Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon on plate with spinach and cauli mash
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this recipe takes only 30 minutes! You lay the salmon filets in a cast-iron skillet, top them with mustard, melted butter, Gouda Moon Cheese, and pecans and place them in the oven. An easy salmon dish is ready to amaze everyone!

Chef's note

To elevate the flavor of this pecan-crusted fish, don't hesitate to add your unique spin to the pecan toppings. You can choose fresh rosemary leaves, fiery chili flakes, or lemon zest. Have fun with your customization!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🐟🧀 Ingredients for this keto pecan crusted salmon recipe

Here is the ingredient list for our baked pecan-crusted salmon dish:

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup crushed Gouda Moon Cheese (28g)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
  • 2 salmon filets 6-ounce each

Ingredient substitutions

  • Dijon mustard: You can substitute this with keto-friendly whole-grain mustard or ground mustard.
  • Unsalted butter: Use Ghee or high-quality coconut oil as a substitute.
  • Gouda Moon Cheese: We have used Gouda Moon Cheese, sponsored by Moon Cheese. You can also use other alternatives like Parmesan or Romano.
  • Parsley: You can use dill, cilantro, or any herb of your choice.

Additional ingredients

To enhance the overall flavor, you can add any of the following optional ingredients:

  • Lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest for a refreshing zing before serving.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the pecan mixture for some heat.
  • Garlic powder: Incorporate garlic powder into the nuts and herbs mixture for a rich, savory flavor.
  • Olive oil: Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the cooked salmon.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Pecan Crusted Salmon recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:

  • 10" or larger cast iron skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Spatula

Tools substitute options

  • 10" or larger cast iron skillet: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a similar-sized oven-safe skillet or a ceramic baking dish.
  • Spatula: Use a spoon or a fork if you don't have a spatula.

How to make Keto Pecan Crusted Salmon: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the necessary ingredients.
  2. Measure them as per the recommended quantity.
  3. If you are using frozen salmon, thaw it and use it when it comes to room temperature.
  4. Pat the filets dry with paper towels.
  5. Chop the pecan nuts in the smallest possible size (if you like crunchy texture).
  6. Pulse pecans in a food processor, but don't make pulse for a long time.
  7. Set up your cooking area.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450° F.
  2. Mix the mustard, melted butter, salt, pepper, crushed Gouda Moon Cheese, pecans, and parsley in a small bowl.
  3. Place the salmon filets in a larger cast iron skillet.
  4. Top with the pecan mixture and transfer to the oven.
  5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on how you like your salmon cooked.
  6. Cover the pecans with aluminum foil if they brown too much before the salmon is cooked.
  7. Serve immediately.
gouda pecan mixture in bowl
raw salmon fillets on parchment paper
salmon fillets topped with gouda pecan mixture getting ready to be baked

Chef's pro tip

To prevent dry and less flavorful salmon, it's important to avoid overcooking. Keep a close eye on the baking time and the appearance of the filets to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

What to serve with keto pecan-crusted salmon

You can pair this awesome fish dish with any of the following keto dishes:

  • Keto cauliflower mash: Serve a bowl of creamy cauliflower mash and enjoy it with this salmon and pecan dish.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: Roasted Brussels Sprouts make a great pair to this fish dish.
  • Keto creamed spinach: Pair our recipe with Keto Creamed Spinach for a burst of flavor.
  • Green salad: A simple side salad that has spinach, kale, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes is a perfect combination with seafood.
  • Keto chimichurri: Drizzle some Keto Chimichurri on the top of the fish, and enjoy.
  • Tangy lemon dill sauce: A tangy and herby sauce made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, and seasoning tastes heaven with a fish dish!
Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon on plate with spinach and cauli mash

How to make it healthier?

  • Use wild-caught or organic salmon if available.
  • Use low-sodium cheese, unsalted butter, and cut back on the added salt.
  • Serve the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or other low-carb veggies to add fiber content.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-crushed or chopped pecans.
  • Buy pre-grated or crushed cheese.
  • Start preheating the oven as soon as you begin gathering your ingredients.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Make the pecan mixture ahead of time and store it for a couple of days.
  • Season the salmon fillets a few hours ahead of the actual baking time.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Fridge: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. While storing, take out the pecan mixture and store it separately in the fridge.
  • Freezer: Place the cooled, cooked fish filets in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring the crust side faces up. You can store up to 2-3 months.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place the leftovers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power.
  • Oven: Place the leftovers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper—heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our popular Keto Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon recipe features succulent salmon, rich cheese, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. This quick and delicious dish is ideal for weeknight meals and will make your family instant fans. Overall, this pecan-crusted baked salmon has the potential to become your family's new favorite fish recipe.

Excited to try this restaurant-style keto-friendly salmon dinner? Well, give this recipe a try. Take a snap of your masterpiece and share it with us on our Instagram and Facebook. Also, share this low-carb but high-in-taste dish with your friends and family!

Here are some keto-friendly salmon recipes if you're a salmon lover!

Frequently asked questions

The exact carbohydrate content can vary depending on the quantities and ingredients used. For this recipe, check out our recipe card for details.

If your pecan and cheese topping is not sticking to the salmon, pat dry the filets before you apply the mixture. Moisture on the salmon can prevent the topping from sticking correctly.

If your pecans are browning too quickly, cover the salmon with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the salmon to continue cooking.

The thickness of your salmon filets can affect the cooking time. Thicker pieces will need more time to cook through. So, if you have thick filets, always consider slicing them thinner or searing the sides before baking.

It can happen if you don't make the topping mixture properly. So, season your mixture well with salt, pepper, and other seasonings.

📖 Recipe

Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon on plate with spinach and cauli mash

Keto Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon

This Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon is a great way to load up on healthy fats! Just 30 minutes is all you need to get this delicious low-carb dinner on the table.
5 from 5 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Keyword: 30-minute, keto, low carb, salmon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 532kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup crushed Gouda Moon Cheese 28g
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
  • 2 salmon filets 6-ounce each
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450° F.
  • Mix the mustard, melted butter, salt, pepper, crushed Gouda Moon Cheese, pecans, and parsley in a small bowl.
  • Place the salmon filets in a larger cast iron skillet.
  • Top with the pecan mixture and transfer to the oven.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on how you like your salmon cooked.
  • Cover the pecans with aluminum foil if they are browning too much before the salmon is cooked through.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon
Amount Per Serving
Calories 532 Calories from Fat 356
% Daily Value*
Fat 39.6g61%
Carbohydrates 3.4g1%
Fiber 2g8%
Protein 41.2g82%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jana McClish says

    5 stars
    One of the best salmon recipes I've ever had! I didn't have the Moon cheese, so used regular grated gouda cheese. This is so good, you have to make yourself stop eating it. It's a once-a-week meal for us now.

    Reply

  2. Shelbel says

    5 stars
    OMG the topping is absolutely delicious! Thank you for this recipe. Salmon is my favorite fish and I loved finding a new topping for it. My husband and I thought we were eating at a "6" star restaurant!!! I did not have Gouda Moon Cheese, but I did have and used "Everything" Parmesan Crisps which obviously worked out great for added flavor. I now know I can use these Parmesan Crisps for toppings and "breading" - more than just a snack. Again - thank you - I am now a fan! P.S. I love "rare" (not overcooked) salmon, but it took at least 15-20 minutes to reach that doneness.

    Reply

  3. Ana G. says

    Hi, can this be made on a stone pan vs cast iron? TY

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      I think that would be a bit messy if any juices ran off the stone pan. If the pan has sides it should be fine though.

      Reply

  4. Sabrina says

    5 stars
    My family loves salmon so I’m always looking for new unique delicious ways to make it. This recipe was amazing & did not disappoint. It was packed with SO much flavour & was a huge hit. Thanks for this, it’s a keeper!

    Reply

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