CATEGORY:
Appetizer
Hazelnut-Crusted Salmon Bites
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh dill for garnish
METHOD / INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Salmon Preparation: Start with fresh, high-quality salmon. Remove skin and any visible bones. Pat salmon dry with paper towels for better adherence of hazelnut coating. Cut salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes, using a sharp knife for clean cuts, aim for consistent size for even cooking.
- Hazelnut Coating Preparation: Toast hazelnuts in dry skillet on medium heat, stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Allow nuts to cool completely.
- Grind in a food processor or chop finely. Aim for a mix of fine and slightly chunky pieces. Season ground hazelnuts with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Optional: pinch of smoked paprika.
- Mix the honey and mustard in one bowl. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and prepare a coating station: a bowl of honey-mustard, and a plate with ground hazelnuts.
- Brush salmon cubes with mustard-honey mixture, use pastry brush for even coating. Roll each cube in hazelnut mixture, gently press to ensure coating adheres.
- Place on a prepared baking sheet, bake 8-10 minutes, check at 8 minutes – salmon should be just opaque and flake easily. Garnish with fresh dill (chop dill just before serving).