Meal: Ultimate Pan Seared Salmon, Sautéed Spinach, Garlic Toast
I put this meal in the zero-guilt category. Salmon, spinach, and garlic are ‘smart foods’ because they positively affect your overall health and cognitive function. I call it ‘clean” food when I cook dinner like this – simple but delicious. It also is low-calorie, but I am not a calorie counter. I am interested in quality and flavors.
Meal: Ultimate Pan Seared Salmon, Sautéed Spinach, Garlic Toast
This recipe makes the fish crispy on the outside, moist on the inside.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- fishula (spatula)
- Apron
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon de-boned (for large pieces, choose 3/4 lb filets)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (unsalted – won't burn)
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 lemon cut into slices
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the filets
- Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes
- Sprinkle both sides with salt and fresh pepper
- Heat skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat, until just before it starts to smoke
- Add the fillets skin side down
- Do not move the fillets for 5 minutes – you want to see the side of the fillet change color 1/2 way up before flipping
- Very gently flip the fillets with your fishula (or spatula)
- Cook for 5 minutes skin side up – before removing from heat check the fish with a fork. For medium-rare you want a bit of pink in the center
- Remove from heat and serve with lemon slices
Notes
Be careful of splatter and smoke alarms. I suggest wearing an apron and keeping the room well ventilated while cooking.
The salmon should be high quality. For medium-rare (my preference), the salmon should come out very flakey, a little pink inside. For medium, cook longer on side 2 – I do not suggest well-done, as the fish will become tough and dry.
Remember, perfecting even a simple dish takes practice.
PURCHASE NOTE: I live for this ‘Fishula’ Fish Spatula from Williams Sonoma.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Simple Sauteed Spinach With Garlic
Healthy, quick, delicious spinach
Equipment
- Deep pot with lid – non stick is preferable
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Sieve (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Spinach – I like using prewashed spinach for this dish because any grit left after cleaning will ruin it.
- 1 tbsp good olive oil
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 tsp Fresh cracked Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt – I like Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
Instructions
- Turn stove to medium to medium low, add the olive oil
- Add garlic and cook for one minute (never let it burn). When the smell is released and it starts looking clear, its ready
- Add the spinach
- Add salt and pepper
- Add the pepper flakes now, if desired
- Stir down, mixing the oil and garlic with the leaves to coat
- Once the ingredients are coated, cover the pot for 2-3 minutes
- Check your spinach often. (I like mine with a little life left in it – see photo)
- Turn off the heat
- Pick up spinach with tongs, letting the juice run off or drain it
- Plate it, add tiny squeeze of lemon if desired. (Can be good, or make it seem bitter)
Notes
One pound of spinach cooked down becomes about the size of a quarter. I’m joking, but you get the idea—one pound for 2 people.
For sauteed spinach, I buy prewashed. Choosing your bunch of spinach, washing, and destemming, of course, is ideal. However, Besides washing silverware – cleaning and destemming spinach is one of my least favorite things to do in the kitchen. If you’ve ever spent the tedious effort, and the dish turns out gritty – it’s been for nothing, and your entire meal is off balance.
Another note: It is essential to drain the spinach before plating. You don’t want the juice to run on the plate and mess up a sauce or get something soggy.
Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 40kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Simple and Delicious Garlic Toast
Adds a satisfying crunch to almost any dish.
Equipment
- Toaster
- Garlic press or knife
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 dashes paprika
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
- Mix butter (or vegan butter), garlic, paprika in a small bowl
- Toast the bread
- Butter the toast with the mixture
- Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan
Notes
This garlic toast can be prepared 3 ways:
Garlic only – simply skin, slice and rub on hot toast
Garlic and butter (or vegan butter)
Garlic, butter (or vegan butter), paprika, parmesan
All three are delicious, and add a satisfying crunch to the dish.
PURCHASE NOTE: My favorite vegan butter is Earth Balance (no soy, olive oil). So good, even kids can’t tell the difference.
$4.99 ea.
Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
