Step 3
To cook the Salmon: Increase the heat of the oven to 350 degrees after the potatoes finish cooking. Heat some olive or canola oil in a heavy-bottom skillet. Pat the filets dry with a paper towel and season the salmon on both sides with salt & Pepper. When the oil begins to shimmer and just starts to smoke, carefully place the salmon filets skin side down into the skillet, then gently press them into the pan with a fish spatula to promote crisping of the skin. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Using a fish spatula, turn the fish over after about 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets. Be careful to get the spatula completely under the skin to keep it intact. Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Use a spoon and baste the melted butter onto the salmon filets. Cook on the flesh side for about 1 minute, then place the skillet in the oven. After 3 to 4 more minutes, baste the salmon again with the butter and check for doneness. The optimal internal temperature is 120 degrees. When the salmon is finished cooking, serve it with the Pistou sauce, tomatoes, and potatoes.