Seafood Week 2016: Easy Grilled Salmon

Update and Redux: J – This is one of those dishes you just know. Get fish. Heat grill. Season fish. Grill it. Impress guests. Cooks fast with a light touch. Easy for a small crowd. On salad. On a bun with aioli. With or without fries. Delicious.

J – You don’t have to fuss over this one …

Just be gentle. Use a high-temperature oil to prevent sticking. Don’t leave the grill. This delicious salmon cooks in just a few minutes. We do lots of salmon. When I go into our fish monger, the question is invariably: Salmon today? Not always … but, I do like it.

Often, people avoid using an outdoor grill for cooking salmon. At least, cooking directly on the grill. There are all kinds of fish-cooking-gadgets out there. For me, they just get in the way.

Get really fresh salmon filets. Steaks aren’t worth it. Remove the skin … or not. Your choice. Removing the skin makes grilling a bit easier.

Bring to room temperature while the grill is heating to medium high. Add salt, pepper to taste. Add spices, if you want. Of course, I’m a sucker for our Cajun Dry Rub.

Make sure the grates are clean and hot. Add high-temperature oil to both sides of the fish. Brush grill with oil. Place fish gently on the grill with a good spatula. Move the pieces slightly when you first place them, so they don’t stick.

Grill Week: Easy Grilled Salmon

Recipe type: Mains

Author: Jim

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 6 mins

Total time: 11 mins

Serves: 2

Ingredients

Two 6 oz pieces of salmon filet, skin removed
Cajun Dry Rub, see recipe link below
Salt and pepper to taste
Canola oil as needed.

Instructions

Bring to room temperature while the grill is heating to medium high. Add salt, pepper to taste. Add spices, if you want.
Make sure the grates are clean and hot. Add high-temperature oil to both sides of the fish.
Brush grill with oil.
Place fish gently on the grill with a good spatula. Move the pieces slightly when you first place them. Handle fish gently.
Rotate first side halfway after a minute. Flip fish after another minute. Total cooking time for medium rare is 5 to 6 minutes, depending on heat.
Remove from heat and plate.
Enjoy!

Cajun Dry Rub recipe

Handle pieces gently. Rotate first side halfway after a minute. Flip fish after another minute. Total cooking time for medium rare is 4 to 5 minutes, depending on heat.