Simple Salmon is just simple to make and allows for the natural light flavor of the salmon to come out. When we catch limits of bright pink salmon. Many anglers comment they will have to fire up the smoker to cook the pinks. While properly smoked salmon is very tasty, when you catch fish that is super bright the meat is still very firm and can be used in many recipes.
Like most salmon, pink salmon is very easy to cook. While there are many great recipes, I often like to have my salmon simple. Give this a try for any type of salmon.
- salmon steaks or fillets (Skin on) for however many you intend to feed.
- coarse kosher salt
- black peppercorn
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- extra virgin olive oil
Your salmon fillets or steaks should be clean, cool and dry to the touch. Using a pepper mill, pepper both sides of the fish. Using a generous pinch of kosher salt, salt both sides of the fish and let sit covered for 1/2 hour. Now you can either grill the fish or cook it in a non-stick pan.
Non-stick pan: Put four about four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan and heat the pan on the stove top to a medium high heat. When the oil heats up and just a few moments before you put the salmon in, put in one tablespoon of sesame oil. (Sesame oil has a lower flash point than extra virgin olive oil) The sesame oil will infuse with the olive oil. Put in salmon skin side down first. Cook 2-1/2 – 4 minutes per side. You will see the salmon cook thru. You may need to adjust your heat a little, just do not let it burn. Flip and cook the flesh side.
Grill: Heat up grill to medium high heat. Brush extra virgin olive oil on both sides of the salmon. Just before you put the salmon on the grill, brush the grill with some olive oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking. Put salmon on the grill skin side down. After the salmon has been on the grill about a minute, lightly brush the top of the salmon with sesame oil. Cook 2-1/2 – 4 minutes per side. When you flip the salmon, lightly brush the skin side with some sesame oil.
Serve with fresh grilled or steamed vegetables and some rice. This is a very fresh and simple way to have some salmon!
