Serves 4
Coconut oil in a very hot skillet gives the tops of these salmon fillets a beautiful crisp, golden crust.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple, ginger, and sesame seeds and cook, turning once, until the pineapple is golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. Carefully wipe out the skillet.
Sprinkle the salmon with the salt and pepper. Heat the same pan over medium heat until very hot. Add the coconut oil and heat until you see ripples across the surface. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin side down. Cook, without touching, until the salmon has cooked about three-fourths of the way up the fillets, 4 to 5 minutes (see Tip below). Using a spatula, carefully turn the salmon over. Cook until the salmon just barely starts to flake when pulled apart with two forks, 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Serve the salmon with the caramelized pineapple and drizzle any pan juices over the top. If desired, top with green onion.
TIPS For best results, remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking so they can come to room temperature.
Most of the cooking of the salmon will take place while the salmon is skin-side down in the pan. The color of the fillet will begin to lighten as it cooks, starting at the bottom and moving upward.