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BRIAN IN THE KITCHEN  brought to you by Stittsworth Meats

February 24 2016

Winter Grilling - Spice-Rubbed Salmon

    1 tablespoon each whole coriander, cumin, dill, and yellow-mustard seeds
    2 tablespoons whole fennel seeds
    1 tablespoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    2 tablespoons sugar
    1 whole four-pound side of salmon, skin on, small bones and excess fat removed
    Olive oil
    Spicy Cucumber Salsa

Combine all seeds in a skillet over medium heat; toast, shaking pan, until aromatic, 4 to 6 minutes. Grind seeds coarsely in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl; add salt, pepper, and sugar.

Combine all seeds in a skillet over medium heat; toast, shaking pan, until aromatic, 4 to 6 minutes. Grind seeds coarsely in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl; add salt, pepper, and sugar.

Rub spice mixture into flesh side of salmon. Let stand 30 minutes; if not grilling right away, refrigerate, wrapped in plastic, for up to 2 days. Let salmon come to room temperature before grilling.

Heat grill to hot; coals should be glowing red, and rack should be very hot. Brush both sides of salmon and hot rack with oil. Grill salmon (if using a gas grill, close lid while cooking), flesh side down, until firm and slightly charred, 4 to 8 minutes. Carefully turn salmon using 2 large spatulas. Cook 4 to 6 minutes more, or until mostly opaque but slightly translucent and cooked through. Serve with cucumber salsa.

CUCUMBER SALSA

    2 seedless cucumbers (2 pounds)
    2 medium shallots, peeled and trimmed
    1 1/2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper
    1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh mint, chopped medium fine
    2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    3 tablespoons olive oil

Peel cucumbers in strips for a striped effect. Cut in half lengthwise; remove any seeds. Cut crosswise into 1/8-inch slices.

Combine cucumbers, shallots, jalapeno, and mint. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until combined. Pour over cucumbers, and toss gently to combine. Serve.