Pistachio-Crusted Arctic Char

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Coarsely chop pistachios in a food processor, then add basil, shallot, salt, pepper, and 6 tablespoons butter and purée until mixture forms a paste.

   Step 2

   Preheat oven to 400°F.

   Step 3

   Remove any bones from fish with tweezers and pat fish dry.

   Step 4

   Heat oil and remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then brown skin sides of fillets in 2 batches, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer fillets as browned, skin sides down, to a lightly oiled shallow baking pan (1 inch deep).

   Step 5

   Divide pistachio paste among fillet pieces and spread evenly in a 1/8-inch-thick layer over top of each.

   Step 6

   Bake fillets in middle of oven until just cooked through, 9 to 11 minutes.