Enhancing Your Grilled Salmon with the Perfect Seasonings

Grilled Salmon is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, the key to a delicious meal lies in the right combination of seasonings. In this article, we will explore various techniques and seasonings to elevate your grilled salmon to the next level.

The Basics: Simple Seasonings for Top-Quality Salmon

If you are working with top-quality salmon, the simplest yet most effective way to prepare it is with just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dusting of pepper, or even fish seasoning for added flavor. These classic seasonings complement the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it.

Exploring Different Seasonings for Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon can be seasoned and cooked in myriad ways. Here are a few popular techniques and seasonings:

Sweet Cream Butter Slits

To enhance the flavor, you can make parallel shallow slits in the salmon and fill them with sweet cream unsalted butter. Sprinkle the fillet with curry Old Bay Seasoning and a light dusting of ground cayenne. Broil the salmon or cook it on a grill at a moderate temperature. This method adds a luxurious and slightly spicy touch to the dish.

Garlic Powder and Pepper

For a more aromatic dish, you can use garlic powder if you don't have real garlic, chopping it finely. You can also use anise seed or fennel seed for a slightly aniseed flavor. Sprinkle coarse Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Do not turn the salmon once it is placed on the grill, as doing so can affect the cooking process. This technique works particularly well with skin-on salmon.

Whole Fillet Grilling

When grilling a whole salmon fillet, you can change the seasoning along the length of the fish, adding different spices and herbs. This allows you to experiment and find the perfect combination that suits your taste. Coat the fish in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), sprinkle it with coarse Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, and a slight sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

No matter which seasonings you choose, serve your grilled salmon with plenty of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and adds a tangy contrast to the rich, oily taste of the salmon.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to seasoning grilled salmon. The key is to experiment and find the flavors that work best for you. High-quality salmon is best left simple, while medium-quality fish may benefit from a quick marinade. Ultimately, the joy of grilling salmon lies in the generous use of fresh and bold flavors. Whether you prefer classic simplicity or a more complex blend, you're sure to delight your guests with your grilled salmon creations.