Mediterranean Slow-Roasted Salmon with Saffron Lemon Risotto & Brown Butter Pistachio
Silky slow-roasted salmon infused with olive oil and lemon, served on creamy saffron-lemon risotto, finished with nutty brown butter pistachios and fresh herbs.
This is Mediterranean elegance at its absolute peak.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For Slow-Roasted Salmon
2 salmon fillet
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper
For Saffron Lemon Risotto
¾ cup arborio rice
3 cups warm vegetable or chicken stock
Pinch of saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Zest of ½ lemon
Salt to taste
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
For Brown Butter Pistachio Finish
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp crushed pistachio
Garnish
Fresh dill or parsley
Extra olive oil drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Slow-Roast the Salmon
1. Preheat oven to 130°C.
2. Place salmon on lined tray.
3. Rub with olive oil, lemon zest, juice, salt & pepper.
4. Roast 25–30 minutes until just tender and glossy.
2️⃣ Make Saffron Risotto
1. Heat olive oil butter in pan.
2. Add onion, cook until soft.
3. Add rice, toast 1 minute.
4. Add saffron water.
5. Add warm stock gradually, stirring gently.
6. Cook 18–20 minutes until creamy.
7. Stir in lemon zest, parmesan & salt.
3️⃣ Brown Butter Pistachio
1. Melt butter on medium heat.
2. Cook until nutty brown.
3. Add pistachios, remove from heat.
4️⃣ Assemble (Elite Plating)
1. Spoon risotto into plate center.
2. Place salmon gently on top.
3. Drizzle brown butter pistachio.
4. Finish with herbs & olive oil.
💡 Chef Secrets (Ultra-Peak)
Low-temp salmon = buttery texture
Saffron water only, threads not burned
Brown butter last minute only
Plate minimal, let ingredients shine
❓ frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Is this heavy?
No — rich yet incredibly clean.
Can I skip parmesan?
Yes, still elite Mediterranean.
Can I use another fish?
Sea bass or cod works beautifully.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 540 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 24 g
Omega-3 rich