When it comes to cooking delicious and healthy meals, few things beat the ease and flavor of barbecued salmon. This guide will walk you through an easy recipe that transforms a beautiful piece of organic salmon into a crispy-skinned, mouthwatering dinner. With a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can impress your family or guests with perfectly cooked fish and a refreshing cucumber tzatziki on the side. Ready to get started with this fantastic, easy recipe? Let’s dive in!
Preparing the Salmon for Barbecue
Start with a lovely piece of organic salmon, ideally one that has been scaled by your fishmonger, so you can enjoy the skin without any fuss. The skin is the star here—think of it like pork crackling but on fish! To get that irresistible crispiness, score the pink side of the salmon about a centimeter deep. This scoring helps the seasonings and herbs penetrate the flesh, enhancing the flavor as it cooks.
Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Then, take a fresh lemon and microplane the zest over the fish for a subtle citrus brightness that complements the rich salmon perfectly.
Adding Fresh Fennel for Flavor and Health
Fennel is not only great for your digestion but adds a lovely aromatic touch to the salmon. Strip the fennel of its fronds and chop them finely. This releases the essential oils and reduces the volume, making it easier to pack into the slits you scored earlier.
Rub the chopped fennel into the cuts on the salmon, giving it a good massage so the flavors can mingle with the natural fats that will render out during cooking. Don’t be shy—really pack those little slits full of fennel goodness.
Oiling and Salting for the Perfect Crispy Skin
Next, drizzle some oil on your chopping board and the salmon itself to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. On one side of the board, sprinkle some salt—not to season the board, but to pat the fish before it hits the grill. Rub the oil and salt all over the salmon, especially focusing on the skin side, as this is where the magic happens.
When you place the salmon on the grill, keep it skin side down for about 75-80% of the cooking time. This slow approach ensures the skin crisps up beautifully without burning. Resist the urge to flip it too soon—patience is key!
Making a Refreshing Cucumber Tzatziki
While the salmon cooks, prepare a simple cucumber tzatziki to serve alongside. Slice cucumbers lengthwise, then crosswise into small pieces. Mix these with yogurt, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a bright, creamy sauce that balances the richness of the salmon.
Add some chopped oregano and flowering thyme for an herbal twist. Though mint or parsley are traditional, these herbs bring a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fennel and lemon on the fish.
Finishing Touches: Crisping the Skin and Serving
By now, you should hear a nice sizzle from the grill. The salmon skin should be golden and crispy—if so, flip it gently and let it cook for a few more minutes to finish. The flesh should be lightly pink and tender, similar to a perfectly roasted lamb, juicy and flavorful.
For those who love a bit of extra texture, carefully pull off the crispy skin and return it to the grill to fry up until it’s crackling crisp. Break it into pieces and serve as a crunchy garnish or snack—this is the fish equivalent of pork crackling!
Bringing It All Together on the Plate
Serve the salmon with dollops of the cucumber tzatziki, garnished with a few cucumber slices, a touch of chili for heat, and pretty thyme flowers for a pop of color. Sprinkle over some fennel tops from a height for an elegant finish.
This isn’t just any meal—it’s proper, home-cooked dinner that looks and tastes fantastic. Perfectly cooked fish with crispy skin and fresh, vibrant accompaniments will have everyone at your table saying, “Wow!”
Tips for Success with This Easy Recipe
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon: Organic or wild-caught will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush the skin crisping: Let the skin cook mostly on one side for a golden, crackling finish.
- Experiment with herbs: Fennel, thyme, oregano, and even chili add layers of flavor that bring the dish alive.
- Keep the tzatziki simple: Yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and herbs make a refreshing contrast to the rich fish.
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this barbecued salmon recipe is a great way to enjoy easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish will be a hit every time.
This article was created from the video How To Barbecue A Piece Of Salmon with the help of AI.
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