Description
This Zaatar Salmon with Flavorful Herby Butter Beans recipe combines the aromatic Middle Eastern zaatar spice blend with perfectly roasted salmon fillets, paired with a vibrant and fresh butter bean medley infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. The salmon is seared to lock in moisture and then oven-roasted to perfection, while the herby butter beans add a comforting yet light side, making this dish a nutritious, flavorful meal ideal for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend (thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
Herby Butter Beans
- 2 cans butter beans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat dry each salmon fillet with paper towels to ensure a good sear and seasoning adherence.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to roast the salmon after searing.
- Mix Zaatar and Oil: In a small bowl, combine the zaatar spice blend with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a flavorful paste.
- Season Salmon: Evenly coat the top of each salmon fillet with the zaatar mixture. Season lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sear Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until skin is crisp.
- Sauté Garlic: In a separate pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add Butter Beans: Stir in drained butter beans, coating them gently in the garlic-infused oil; cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Add Herbs and Tomatoes: Mix in chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring to combine flavors.
- Roast Salmon: Transfer the skillet with seared salmon to the preheated oven. Roast for 8-10 minutes until salmon is cooked through but still moist.
- Keep Beans Warm: Lower heat on the stovetop and keep the butter beans warm while salmon finishes roasting.
- Rest Salmon: Remove salmon from oven and let it rest for 2 minutes to maintain juiciness.
- Serve: Plate a scoop of the herby butter beans, place a salmon fillet on top, and drizzle with any pan juices from the skillet.
- Garnish: Add extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges to enhance flavor and presentation if desired.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a crisp skin.
- Using an oven-safe skillet avoids extra dishes when transferring to the oven.
- Customize the herb blend in the butter beans to your preference for more or less tanginess or freshness.
- Fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the salmon and olive oil.
- If zaatar spice blend is unavailable, you can make a simple substitute with thyme, oregano, marjoram, and toasted sesame seeds.
