John's First-Date Salmon Fillets

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/4-pound) skinless center-cut salmon fillet (1 inch thick)
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar

Preparation

1. 1. Cut the salmon fillet into 6 equal portions, and lightly spray both sides of each piece with cooking spray. Sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2. In a large skillet, heat butter on medium-high until foamy. Carefully place the fillets in the skillet. Cook the salmon; don't move fillets until the edges begin to crisp, about 2 minutes. Decrease heat to medium, and cook until fish is golden brown, about 1 minute more. Turn fillets and continue cooking until medium-rare and skin is crisped, about 3 minutes, depending on their thickness. Remove fillets to serving plates and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.