Mark Bittmans Four Spice Salmon Recipes

FOUR-SPICE SALMON

Steps:

• Season fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. If necessary, combine spices and grind them to a coarse powder in a coffee or spice grinder. Press some of the mixture onto the top of each fillet.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the oil or butter and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust.
• Turn the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon just slightly resists when pierced with a thin-bladed knife.

MARK BITTMAN'S FOUR-SPICE SALMON

Steps:

• 1. Season fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. If necessary, combine spices and grind them to a coarse powder in a coffee or spice grinder. Press some of the mixture onto the top of each fillet. 2. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the oil or butter and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust. 3. Turn the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon just slightly resists when pierced with a thin-bladed knife.

MARK BITTMAN'S PROVENCAL SALMON

Steps:

• Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Grind the fennel seed coarsely in a coffee or spice grinder, and mix it with the rosemary and orange zest. Press this mixture onto the top of each fillet.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the oil 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.
• Turn the fillets and cook about a minute more, then transfer to the oven. Cook about 4 minutes for rare, 5-6 for medium rare and 8 minutes for well done.