Ginger-Scallion Crusted Salmon Recipe

To make the cucumber salad stir together sesame oil dill rice vinegar mirin and sesame seeds in a glass or plastic bowl; add cucumber and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

To prepare the ginger crust stir together the ginger green onions and garlic in a sturdy metal bowl; set aside. Heat 1/4 cup peanut oil in a small saucepan over high heat until it begins to smoke. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the ginger mixture; set aside.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets to taste with salt and pepper. Sear salmon until golden brown on both sides 30 to 40 seconds per side. Transfer to a plate and wipe excess oil from skillet. Spread honey over top of fillets then evenly spread with reserved ginger crust.

Replace salmon into the skillet and place into the oven. Bake until the center of the salmon turns opaque 6 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat stir in shallots and cook until softened and translucent about 2 minutes. Pour in white wine then simmer until nearly evaporated. Add the ponzu sauce and heavy cream reduce by 1/2. Remove from heat then whisk in cold butter pieces until dissolved; season to taste with kosher salt.

To assemble the dish season the cucumber salad to taste with salt. Divide the salad evenly onto four plates spreading it out into a 4 to 5-inch circle. Drizzle the ponzu butter onto the bare area of the plate around the cucumber salad. Place a salmon fillet crust-side up on top of the salad and serve.