Ginger-Scented Grilled (or Broiled) Salmon

(January 19, 2006) To get the ball rolling, let me feature a question asked by a visitor to my web site…

Dear Lauren,

My wife and I share the cooking. I love fish, she likes fish and two of my kids claim to hate fish. As a result, I eat almost NO fish and I'm frustrated. I would like to be able to sit down in my own house and eat a meal where the star is finally fish! I know you have kids. I was wondering if you could help me with this issue. Thanks so much.

Bob
Harrison, NY

Ginger-Scented Grilled (or Broiled) Salmon

Yield: serves 6 to 8

When busy, tired and hungry, the first place to head is your fish market, since with little effort, you can reward your family and friends with maximum taste and freshness. Although this recipe features salmon, this marinade would be equally enhancing to swordfish, tuna or halibut steaks. This recipe is written to serve six, but the marinade can easily be stretched to accommodate an additional pound of fish or enough for eight servings. Although leftovers are great, if you are serving fewer people, use half the marinade on the fish and pour the rest into some "almost done" cooked rice. Increase the cooking time by one minute, after adding the marinade to the saucepan). Don't hesitate to serve this fish dish for company, as it's a real winner.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup cold-pressed aromatic peanut oil (in well-stocked supermarkets)
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce (I use Tamari)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (keep chilled once opened)
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger root
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup minced scallions (green onions) trimmed white part, and 1 1/2 to 2 inches of the tender green
• 3 to 4 pounds salmon fillet (preferably wild salmon), cut into 6 to 8 individual servings, or 6 to 8 salmon steaks (allow 8 ounces of fish per adult and 4 to 6 ounces per child)
• Peanut oil or cooking spray, for grill (not needed when broiling)

1) To prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except salmon and the oil for the grill, if using, and mix thoroughly.

2) To prepare the fish: Gently rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry. Choose a glass dish that is large enough to fit the fillets in a single layer. Brush the skin side of each fillet generously with some of the marinade and place in the dish (skin side down). Pour the remaining marinade over the fish, using a basting brush to cover each well. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

3) To grill: (To broil, see following steps) Before heating the grill, brush the grate well with oil or spray with cooking spray. Heat and gas grill on high or get coals very hot and place the salmon (with marinade left on) on the hot grill grate. Cook salmon a total of 7 to 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning once. (When grilling, don't try to turn the fish until it's very crisp on the bottom or you'll tear off the skin. Nudge the fish, using tongs, and if it seems firmly attached to the grill, let it keep cooking.) When done, the salmon will be beautifully seared on both sides. For medium-rare, let the flesh retain a deeper orange tinge at the very center. If desired, cook until pink throughout but avoid overcooking or the fish will be dry.

4) To broil: Preheat the broiler until very hot with the rack as close as possible to the heating element (taking into consideration the height of your broiler pan. I use the top level.). Pat some of the excess marinade off the fish and lay each fillet on a cold broiler pan (skin side up). Broil close to heat source turning once, until crispy and the fish flakes easily but is not at all dry, 4 to 5 minutes per side. (Keep an eye on things when broiling, but be sure to let the skin get crisp and the flesh-side get nice and golden.)

Time Management Tip
* The fish can be marinated a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.

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Questions for Lauren Groveman's Kitchen:

Lauren Groveman recipes have been featured in many national magazines and local newspapers. Her books "The I love to Cook Book: Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking for Family and Friends" and "Lauren Groveman's Kitchen, Nurturing Food for Family and Friends" are available through Amazon.com. Lauren hosts an hour-long, "live" weekly radio show, Food Family & Home "Matters," on 1460 WVOX.

For in depth information on Lauren Groveman as a writer, teacher, TV & radio host, as well as her recipes and cooking tips visit her website at www.laurengroveman.com

Lauren is a Larchmont resident. She is happily married and blessed with three wonderful children.