Dry Rub Barbecue Salmon with Relish




  • 1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 (6-ounce) center-cut salmon fillets, skin on
  • 2 teaspoons grapeseed or canola oil
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Combine brown sugar, pepper, paprika, chile powder, salt and garlic powder; stir to mix thoroughly. Coat the tops (flesh side) of the salmon fillets evenly with the spice mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

Heat a large, ovenproof sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add grapeseed oil and heat through. Place salmon, skin-side down, into sauté pan. Cook until skin is crisp, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook until the salmon is cooked to desired doneness, about 5 to 6 minutes for medium, about 6 to 8 minutes for medium well.

Remove salmon from pan, then slide a metal spatula between the fillet and the skin. Lift the fillet away from the skin; discard the skin or save for another use. Place the salmon on a warmed serving plate; **spoon the relish over each fillet and serve immediately.

Relish

  • 2 medium ripe red tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 2 green onions, ends trimmed, green and white parts thinly sliced on the bias
  • 1 small yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
  • 1/2 English cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Granulated sugar, to taste
Combine tomatoes, green onions, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, orange juice, vinegar, and oil; toss to mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and sugar. Refrigerate until needed.

Tips and Techniques
* For complete accuracy, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. All fish is done at 137°F, but 134°F leaves a hint of translucence and more moisture. If you prefer fish less done, remove it at 120° to 125°F.
** Some people love to eat the crispy skin, but it is easily removed if desired. To remove, slide a metal spatula between the fillet and the skin. Lift the fillet off of the skin.

Serves 4

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