Toaster Salmon

I don't know how I let the summer escape without mentioning my toaster oven. It's my favorite way to keep from turning on the oven (aside from going out) and just seems exponentially more efficient when you're not making an entire recipe for 8 peeps. It's, like, toaster ovens were made for people cooking for one. Right? That, or inmates. Students in dorms?

Salmon is one of my favorite ingredients because it's easy to portion (or buy portioned in pieces) for one or two people, and cooks super fast. I've been making this particular version of salmon for a few (8?) years, but don't remember where I got the original version of my recipe. That's no surprise. Just remember to add the red pepper flakes to taste. I tend to vary the amount depending on my heat tolerance of the day. Then, when you're done, just leave the toaster on and make a few peanut butter cookies. I'm serious. What's 5 more minutes?



Spicy Soy Salmon

1 tablespoon peanut (or vegetable) oil
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon thinly sliced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1. Preheat the oven (toaster oven if using*) to 400˚F. Place a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the oil and swirl to coat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper and place skin side up in the skillet. Cook until brown, 1 - 2 minutes, turn over and then transfer to the oven.

*Alternatively, for the toaster oven method, skip the skillet step and place the seasoned salmon skin side down on the toaster oven pan (or aluminum foil) and place in the preheated toaster oven until the salmon is medium rare, about 7 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fish).

2. Meanwhile, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes then stir in the soy sauce.

3. Remove the cooked salmon to a serving plate and drizzle with the spicy soy sauce. Makes 2 servings.