Description
This Grilled Salmon recipe features a flavorful miso marinade or an optional Northwest Salmon Rub, perfect for enhancing the natural richness of salmon. The salmon is grilled to medium perfection, resulting in a tender, flaky texture with a slightly translucent center. With a quick 30-minute preparation and cook time, this dish is ideal for a delicious and healthy weeknight meal or special occasion. Serve garnished with chives and sesame seeds for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 – 1 1/2 lbs whole salmon filet (or individual pieces)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt to taste
Miso Marinade
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup mirin (or substitute with 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons water)
- 1/4 cup white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free liquid aminos)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced or grated
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon liquid smoke or wood chips for grilling
Optional Garnish
- Chives
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade or Rub: If using the miso marinade, whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. If opting for the Northwest Salmon Rub, prepare it separately according to its recipe.
- Season the Salmon: Brush the skin side of the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Brush the marinade liberally over the flesh side of the salmon, reserving some for basting during grilling. If using the rub instead, brush all sides with olive oil, season the skin side with salt, and sprinkle the flesh with the rub.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium temperature, approximately 325°F to 350°F. If using wood chips for added smoky flavor, prepare a foil packet with the chips as per grilling instructions.
- Grease the Grill: Thoroughly grease the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Grill the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon on the grill, skin side down. Add any grillable vegetables as desired. Cover the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, then check the fish.
- Cook to Medium: For a whole fillet, avoid flipping. Continue cooking covered until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 125°F to 130°F, signaling medium doneness. The salmon should be flaky with a slight translucency in the center. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and baste with reserved marinade as needed.
- Serve: Using two metal spatulas, carefully remove the salmon from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped chives and sesame seeds, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you do not have mirin, the honey and water substitute works well to maintain sweetness and moisture.
- Wood chips add a wonderful smoky flavor; soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Do not flip the salmon fillet when grilling whole to keep it intact and cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Northwest American