Simple. Scrumptious. Salmon.

Not everyone I know loves salmon.  But when it comes to the health benefits that this fatty fish dishes up (it's laden with Omega 3s and other essential nutrients, like Vitamin D, and offers preventive protection against various diseases) along with its second-to-none adaptability to a variety of preparations (my favorites include sushi, grilled, pan roasted, blackened and steamed), I have to wonder what's not to love. 

So when I recently found myself approaching dinnertime with no plan or clue of what to eat (does that ever happen to you? :) ), I resorted to my trusty super fish.  Deciding between a grilled or steamed bite was my next (and final) decision to get some food on the table and in my tummy pronto.  I opted for the 'fix it and forget it' steamed preparation and within a matter of minutes, succulent, buttery and perfectly moist salmon was mine for the feasting.

If you're ever in need of a satisfying and healthy meal, that comes together in sheer minutes, I offer you simple, scrumptious salmon.

Happy Eating!

A succulent, flavorful finish

Salmon in Parchment
I love cooking en papillote, especially seafood, and this salmon is a delicious reminder why.

Ingredients:
Salmon fillet
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme sprigs
Lemon slices
A "pat" of butter
1 tablespoon of white wine
Parchment for wrapping

Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
 
Place salmon in the middle of a parchment square and season liberally with salt and pepper.  Top with lemon slices, butter and thyme.  Drizzle with white wine.  Fold parchment into a tight pouch (folding the tops down and twisting the sides, ensuring it's tightly sealed to allow for steaming.)  Place pouch on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes (depending on the thickness/size of the fillet.)  Remove from the oven, open pouch and enjoy!

 

Simply Delicious: Pan-Seared & Oven-Roasted Salmon

In food and cooking, simple tastes and preparations can sometimes be overlooked.  But the truth is, simple--done right--is hard to trump.  Simple, yet exquisite, preparation and execution allows the true tastes and textures of food to take the lead. 

I love the entire spectrum of cooking and, admittedly, I get my share of thrills from taking on--and mastering--involved dishes and techniques.  But I equally appreciate and welcome those dishes that yield the most amazing tastes and results without the big production that can be deemed synonymous with great food.

This appreciation rings true with one of my favorite salmon preparations.  Minimal ingredients--olive oil, salt, pepper, salmon--coupled with some exceptional techniques known for making food taste most wonderful = my pan-seared and oven-roasted salmon.  The perfect sear outside and moist, flaky salmon inside yields what could easily be a restaurant quality dish that's nothing short of simply delicious.

Happy Eating!

Pan-Seared & Oven-Roasted Salmon

Ingredients:

Pan-Seared & Oven-Roasted Salmon

Salmon Fillet
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.

Lightly drizzle olive oil on salmon fillet(s) and season liberally with salt and pepper.  Pre-heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.  Add salmon fillet(s) to hot skillet and sear on each side for 2 minutes each.  Place skillet in pre-heated oven and roast for an additional 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of the fillet(s).  (Be careful not to overcook!)  Remove from oven, dress with freshly squeezed citrus juice and enjoy!