Salmon is one of the most popular fish eaten all over the world. It is also considered to be one of the healthiest fish to eat because of the high level of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to be beneficial in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Although people can prepare salmon in many ways, three of the most popular ways are grilling, broiling and baking the fish. Regardless of which method is used to prepare salmon, it is important to start with the fillets of salmon that still have the skin and the skin should also be free of scales.
When grilling salmon, one of the ways to add extra flavor to the salmon is by using a plank of cedar. The plank should be submerged in water overnight. After you let your grill heat up, place the cedar plank on the grill grates and let it heat up for about five minutes until it starts to smoke. Place the piece of salmon, which you have rubbed with a mixture of olive oil, dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt and paper, on the cedar plank. The mixture should be made to taste and have enough olive oil so it can be easily rubbed on the salmon. Turn down the burners on the grill to low and let the salmon cook until it is opaque, which will be approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Another way to prepare salmon is by broiling it in the oven. Salmon should be broiled for 8 to 10 minutes per inch (2.5 cm) or until it turns opaque. You may season the fish with the same rub that you use to grill salmon on a cedar plank or you can marinate the salmon in the juice of one lemon and a splash of white wine for 15 minutes. After the salmon marinates, cover it with a thick layer of pesto sauce and then put it in the oven, skin-side-down, to broil. The pesto will form a brown crust when the salmon is done. Remove it from the oven and squeeze the juice of another lemon over the top to serve.
For a delicious alternative to grilling or broiling your salmon, you may prepare salmon by baking it in your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius) for approximately 40 minutes until it flakes with a fork. Slowing down the cook time by baking really allows any seasonings that you use to blend well with the fish. Once again, using the rub that you would use for the grill add some lemon juice and a small handful of parsley and basil to reach a more liquid consistency for marinating. Marinate the salmon in the mixture for an hour and then put it in the oven to bake.
