Epicurean Cowboy Spice Rubbed Cedar Planked Salmon Tacos Recipes

SPICE-RUBBED SALMON WITH HERB SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the salmon: Pulse the coriander and fennel seeds in a spice grinder until coarsely ground. Transfer all but 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture to a small bowl and stir in the sugar and 2 teaspoons salt (reserve the remaining 1 teaspoon spice mixture for the sauce).
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil. Rub the salmon with the olive oil, then sprinkle with the sugar-spice mixture. Refrigerate, uncovered, 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, make the herb sauce: Puree the parsley, chervil, chives, lemon zest and juice and the reserved 1 teaspoon spice mixture in a blender until a coarse paste forms. With the machine running, gradually add the olive oil and 1/4 cup cold water and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the broiler. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Broil the salmon until the top is browned and a thermometer inserted into the center registers 110˚, 9 to 11 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes on the pan. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter with 2 large spatulas, removing the skin. Serve with the herb sauce.

SPICE-RUBBED SALMON

Steps:

• 1. Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Grind the fennel seeds coarsely in a coffee or spice grinder, and mix them with the rosemary and orange zest. Press this mixture into the top (nonskin side) of each fillet. Let sit, refrigerated and covered, for up to 24 hours.
• 2. When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 450°F. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the oil or butter and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan. Cook about 1 minute, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust.
• 3. Turn the fillets and cook about a minute more, then transfer to the oven. Cook about 4 minutes for rare salmon, 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare, and 8 minutes for well done.
• With MINIMAL Effort:
• Seed-Rubbed Salmon: Combine 2 tablespoons raw, shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and 2 tablespoons (roughly) dried porcini pieces in a coffee or spice grinder and grind to a coarse powder. Press some of the mixtue into the top (nonskin side) of each of the fillets and cook as above.
• Spice-Rubbed Salmon. Combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds or ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon whole or ground cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds or ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Press some of the mixture into the top (nonskin) side of each of the fillets and cook as above.
• This technique will work with nearly any spice, herb, or other rub you can think of. Try curry powder; minced lemon zest and parsley; minced lime zest and cilantro; or ground nuts and shallots.
• Substitute whole or clarified butter, peanut oil, or a neutral oil such as grapeseed or canola for the olive oil.

CEDAR PLANKED SALMON WITH SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Soak plank in a tub of cold water for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.
• Score top side of salmon in about 2"/5cm diagonal strips but do not cut through the skin.
• Rub olive oil into salmon.
• In a small bowl combine sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper and cumin.
• Rub into slits.
• Allow salmon to marinate 10 to 20 minutes.
• Place salmon on soaked plank.
• Place the whole thing, plank and salmon, on the rack of a barbecue.
• Close the lid or cover fish with an inverted metal baking dish and barbecue 20 to 25 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
• Remove cover for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Do not turn fish during cooking. This can be brought to the table on the plank decorated with fresh herbs or the salmon can be transferred with a wide lifter to a serving platter or a clean plank.
• Bonnie Stern.

CEDAR-PLANK SALMON

Steps:

• Soak cedar grilling plank in water to cover 2 hours, keeping it immersed.
• Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure . Open vents on bottom and lid of charcoal grill.
• Stir together mustard, honey, rosemary, zest, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Spread mixture on flesh side of salmon and let stand at room temperature 15 minutes.
• Put salmon on plank, skin side down (if salmon is too wide for plank, fold in thinner side to fit). Grill, covered with lid, until salmon is just cooked through and edges are browned, 13 to 15 minutes. Let salmon stand on plank 5 minutes before serving.