Where is fish from?

Sometimes kids ask the darndest questions! While eating dinner tonight, my 6-year old asked "Where does fish come from?" So his Mom and I answered, "From fish." He acted shocked, but that didn't seem to deter him from snapping up all of the tastiest bits of the portion that was put in front of him.

Salmon Dinner - arrayed family style

The portion in question, was of my pan-seared salmon that I love to make. It is as easy as it is tasty, and I will give you the secret right now - use your oven. Yes, finish the salmon in the oven using an oven-safe skillet or frying pan. You will not be disappointed. Guaranteed. 

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Prepping your salmon fillet by checking for rib bones (not every store will get them all out every time, so always check) and sprinkling with some kosher salt and pepper. Top with some herbs like thyme and marjoram, and then coat with some olive oil. Then get your skillet or frying pan nice and hot over high heat, and melt about 1/2 tsp of butter in the pan and coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully lay the fish - flesh side down - into the pan and don't move it for at least 3 minutes. This will give a good sear on the meat and give you those crispy edges that are almost sweet. 

Close-up of the crispy edges on the salmon

Once the flesh has a good sear, turn the fillet over and place the skillet in the oven for about 7-8 minutes - depending on how thick the fillet is. Once you have done it a few times (and once you have those crispy edges you will come back for more) you will get a sense for how your oven cooks and how long you need to bake the fish based on how thick it is.

How can you say no?

Do yourself a favor and add fish to your meal plan. It is healthy, low in saturated fats, high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and very tasty on top of all of that. Add some sautéed green beans and some lovely pearl couscous (cooked in stock of course) and you have an extremely tasty meal that is ready in only about 15 minutes start to finish!