Spice-Rubbed Salmon
- Four 6-ounce skinned salmon fillets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon minced orange zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1.
- Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grind the fennel seeds coarsely in a coffee or spice grinder, and mix them with the rosemary and orange zest.
- Press this mixture into the top (nonskin side) of each fillet.
- Let sit, refrigerated and covered, for up to 24 hours.
- 2.
- When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 450F.
- Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 3 or 4 minutes.
- Add the oil or butter and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan.
- Cook about 1 minute, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust.
- 3.
- Turn the fillets and cook about a minute more, then transfer to the oven.
- Cook about 4 minutes for rare salmon, 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare, and 8 minutes for well done.
- Seed-Rubbed Salmon: Combine 2 tablespoons raw, shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and 2 tablespoons (roughly) dried porcini pieces in a coffee or spice grinder and grind to a coarse powder.
- Press some of the mixtue into the top (nonskin side) of each of the fillets and cook as above.
- Spice-Rubbed Salmon.
- Combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds or ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon whole or ground cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds or ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
- Press some of the mixture into the top (nonskin) side of each of the fillets and cook as above.
- This technique will work with nearly any spice, herb, or other rub you can think of.
- Try curry powder; minced lemon zest and parsley; minced lime zest and cilantro; or ground nuts and shallots.
- Substitute whole or clarified butter, peanut oil, or a neutral oil such as grapeseed or canola for the olive oil.
salmon, salt, fennel seeds, fresh rosemary, orange zest, olive oil
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/spice-rubbed-salmon-103470 (may not work)