Here’s a deliciously quick and easy recipe for Pan Seared Salmon that you need to make because:

1. You need to eat more fish.
2. Salmon is good for you.
3. You need to cook more and quit eating so much crap.

Now that the kids are off the payroll, there are times when I come home and I’m so exhausted all I want to do is grab a bag of chips and salsa and see what’s on Netflix. You too? Thought so.

Ok. That’s what I want to do, but I don’t because eating like that is a very slippery slope. You start with the salsa and chips and the next thing you know you’ve got a spoon in a tub of ice cream. And then the ice cream is gone.

I like this recipe for Pan Seared Salmon because after I sear the fish, I sauté fresh kale or spinach with a little olive oil and whatever condiment I have on hand (right now I’m really digging Mother-in-Law’s Gochujang Sauce). Balsamic vinegar is nice, too, or even just a squeeze of lemon and a little salt.

One other thing: while the recipe calls for searing salmon, you can use whatever fish you like (or is on sale). You’ll have to adjust the cooking time of the fish depending on the thickness, of course. Use a metal spatula to flip the fish (it will be easier to turn and you’ll preserve the nice crust).

Now put those chips away and make yourself a quick and easy dinner. And, please, put that ice cream in a bowl!

       Print this recipe.    

Like this Pan Seared Salmon recipe? Here are more great fish and seafood recipes!

Seafood Cioppino

Ginger Garlic Fish in Banana Leaves

Seafood Gumbo

Jewel asks: When I was buying shrimp, I saw the word “count.” What does this mean?

“Count” in shrimp lingo means the number of shrimp you’ll get per pound. This is where size really does matter because the smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp. This is why you should always buy shrimp by count not size.

Sometimes you’ll find a “U” in front of the number 10 or 15. This means there are under 10 or 15 shrimp per pound. Buying shrimp by the count is a good idea because what one store sells as “large” could be sold as “jumbo”  in another store.

Count is usually reserved for raw shrimp, head-on or head-off, de-veined or not, and peeled or unpeeled.

But lately I’ve noticed that some places are selling cooked shrimp with a “count.” Don’t forget that shrimp shrinks once it is cooked, so buy bigger if you can afford it!

Use this handy chart for a loose reference so you’ll always know how to buy shrimp by count not size:

And once you get those shrimp home, you’re going to need to peel and devein them. Here’s how I do it:

In case you’re hosting an Oscar party, here’s a throwback post to one of my favorite appetizers!

The Oscar for Outstanding Food in an Academy Award nominated film goes to Crabby Snacks and Homemades, starring in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

“Beasts of the Southern Wild” certainly provided some strong competition (the star of the movie is named Hushpuppy, afterall). Messy fresh crabs, fried alligator tail and even (gulp!) cat food had huge scenes.

Another contender: the White Cake that never got served in “Django Unchained.” Of course, “Life of Pi” and “Les Misérables” were most notable for the lack of food.

But back to the winner.

In Matthew Quick’s novel, “The Silver Linings Playbook,” he describes Crabby Snacks as “buttered crabmeat and orange cheese on English Muffins.” Homemades refer to homemade egg pasta.

I thought it would be fun to whip up my version of Crabby Snacks. They’re relatively simple to make. Because they’re made with processed cheese, white bread and mayo, you just know they are going to be absolutely delicious.

This recipe makes 48 bites, so if you aren’t feeding a crowd, cut the recipe in half. And serve it Sunday night during the big broadcast… it’s guaranteed to keep everyone from getting crabby when their Oscar picks don’t win!

       Print this recipe.    

If you’re having a small New Year’s gathering (or if it’s just the two of you), I’ve got a great suggestion: King Crab Legs with Drawn Butter.

Easy. Elegant. Oh, yes, a bit expensive (which makes it extra special!).

King Crab is sweet and delicious, and unless you live in Alaska or further up north, it’s already cooked (and frozen) when you buy it. All you have to do is thaw, reheat and eat!

There are several ways to prepare King Crab, but I like to steam-reheat them in the oven. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it, click here.

Because this is a special night, I like to serve them with drawn butter (also called clarified butter). Drawn butter is butter that has been melted with the milk solids removed. You can also season it with herbs or lemon juice if you like. Drawn butter is also great to drizzle onto steamed vegetables.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for How To Make Drawn Butter:

Clarified Butter

prep: 5 minutes
cook: 15 minutes

serves 6, 2 tablespoons each

you’ll need… 

½ pound butter

let’s get to it…

1. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan on low heat.

2. Milk solids (in the form of white foam) will cloud the top: DO NOT STIR.

3. When butter is completely melted and small bubbles  begin to form around the edge, turn off heat. Let stand 3 minutes.

4. With a small ladle or spoon, skim off the milk solids.

5. You’ve made drawn butter! Try not to disturb any milk solids remaining on the bottom of the saucepan when you pour it bowls for dipping the crab.

For more Kitchen How-To and Tips, Check out my Extra Helpings Tab!