Salmon is probably the fish that Americans cook most often. It is readily available, quick to prepare, and can be dressed in many different ways. I always buy a bigger portion than I need, so I have some for the next day. I find searing the fillet in a hot skillet on both sides, and then letting it finish in the oven briefly, is a good way to keep the salmon tasty on the outside and moist inside.

　　

Ingredients

Light olive oil

　　Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

　　8-10 ounces salmon fillet

　　Garnish: lemon wedge and butter, or pesto

　　

Step 1

Rub a little olive oil and salt and pepper on both sides of the salmon. Heat a medium heavy skillet until almost smoking, and lay in the fillet, skin side down. Sear over high heat about 2 minutes, then turn and sear the other side 1 1/2 minutes. Put the skillet in a preheated 350° oven, and let finish cooking for about 5 minutes. Test by cutting into a piece to see if it is done to your liking. Dress the salmon with a little butter and lemon juice or a small spoonful of pesto over the portion you are going to eat. I particularly like salmon with roasted asparagus dressed with a sesame vinaigrette (see page 149), so some of those Asian flavors seep into the fish.

　　

Second Rounds

Step 2

You can use the leftover salmon in so many ways—in a corn pancake (page 130), a salad or a sandwich, a rice dish, British Kedgeree (page 174), or perhaps a New England Bouillabaisse (page 91).

　　The Pleasures of Cooking for One by Judith Jones. Copyright © 2009 by Judith Jones. Published by Knopf. All Rights Reserved.Judith Jones is senior editor and vice president at Alfred A. Knopf. She is the author of The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food and the coauthor with Evan Jones (her late husband) of three books: The Book of Bread; Knead It, Punch It, Bake It!; and The Book of New New England Cookery. She also collaborated with Angus Cameron on The L. L. Bean Game and Fish Cookbook, and has contributed to Vogue, Saveur, and Gourmet magazines. In 2006, she was awarded the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in New York City and Vermont.