Crispy-Skin Salmon With Napa Cabbage

Step 1

Starting at leafy green end ofNapa cabbage, slice about one-third of head crosswise into ½”-thick ribbons. Set darker green pieces aside. Thinly slice remaining pale-green and white parts of cabbage crosswise and transfer to a medium bowl (discard cabbage core).

Step 2

Smash5 garlic clovesand discard peel.

Step 3

Scrape down and aroundgingerwith the curved tip of a spoon to remove skin, then thinly slice ginger crosswise.

Step 4

Stir2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar,2 Tbsp. soy sauce,1 Tbsp. honey, and1½ tsp. cornstarchin a small bowl with a spoon until cornstarch is dissolved.

Step 5

Thoroughly pat dry4 salmon filletswith paper towels. Season flesh side withsaltandpepper.

Step 6

Drizzle2 Tbsp. vegetable oilacross surface of a large skillet, preferably cast iron. Arrange salmon fillets skin side down in skillet, spacing evenly apart. Heat skillet over medium (yes, you’re starting the cooking from cold).

Step 7

Cook salmon, occasionally sliding a flexible metal spatula underneath skin to lift fillets and let fresh hot fat flow underneath (if the skin is sticking, let it cook longer until skin releases), until flesh is opaque all the way up the sides of each fillet and only the top of thickest part is still translucent, 5–10 minutes. It will take more or less time depending on thickness of your salmon fillets. As fish is cooking, move pieces around pan to encourage even cooking.

Step 8

Using spatula and a pair of tongs, carefully turn each fillet so skin side is up. Turn off heat and let heat remaining in skillet gently cook second side. Once fillets have stopped sizzling, carefully transfer to a plate.

Step 9

Return pan to medium-high heat and add half of cabbage from bowl. Cook, tossing occasionally with tongs, until cabbage is wilted and browned and even charred in some spots, about 5 minutes. Toss in remaining cabbage from bowl and cook, stirring often, until second batch is tender, about 4 minutes.

Step 10

Scrape cabbage mixture back into bowl and add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Add garlic and ginger to pan and cook, tossing often, until garlic is browned all over and ginger is browned around the edges, about 3 minutes.

Step 11

Stir soy mixture to re-incorporate cornstarch and add to skillet. Stir rapidly until mixture is thickened, which will only take a few seconds, then remove from heat.

Step 12

Add cooked cabbage and uncooked green cabbage back to skillet and toss well to coat.

Step 13

Arrange salmon fillets over of cabbage and serve.