Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar mirror and amplify each other; both are a bit tangy and sweet, and both benefit from a little high heat in the pan. Shallots mellow as they sauté and provide a backbone for the sauce. Moving the salmon to a sheet pan allows you to build the sauce in the skillet while the fish finishes in the oven. When it’s done, simply throw the foil away. Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a mild vinaigrette or creamy dressing as there’s plenty of tang in the sauce.
How to Make It
Step 1
Preheat oven to 500°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high. Sprinkle fillets evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add fillets to pan; cook 4 minutes on one side or until golden brown. Place fillets, seared side up, on prepared baking sheet; bake at 500°F for 4 minutes or until desired degree of doneness.
Step 3
Return skillet to medium-high. Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan. Add shallots, and sauté 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, tomatoes, and 1/3 cup basil; cook 2 minutes or until tomatoes begin to break down. Stir in vinegar, and cook 1 minute.
Step 4
Place 1 fillet on each of 4 plates; top evenly with tomato mixture and remaining basil.
