Fresh wild salmon cooked on a cedar plank over the grill creates the centre for a really healthy, nutrient dense dinner for hot days. This method imparts some smokiness from the BBQ and woodsy flavours from the cedar. Adding a fruity salsa on top keeps it light and fresh and the sweetness of a fruit like peaches compliments the richness of the salmon.
Wild salmon is one of the best animal sources of protein because it is relatively lean but high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Unlike some other fish, it is quite low in mercury (a heavy metal that can get quite concentrated in seafood) so it has lots of the good stuff and limited amounts of the not so good stuff. According to some American health and environmental agencies, wild salmon from the Pacific has a rating of “very low” and wild salmon from the Atlantic has a rating of “low” when it comes to levels of mercury. As with all foods, even the healthy ones, moderation is best but salmon is a good food to have every week or two.
- 1 2 lb salmon fillet, de-pinned
- 1 lime, sliced
- olive oil
- sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Peach Salsa
- 2 peaches, peeled and chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped finely
- 1 jalapeño, chopped very finely (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped very finely
- ½ lime, juiced
- sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Soak the cedar plank, fully submerged in a sink of water, for 2 hours. Near the end of that time preheat the BBQ. Place the plank on the grill over direct medium high heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top of the salmon fillet then place lime slices on top.
- Flip the cedar plank over so the charred bottom is now facing up. Place the salmon on the plank, skin side down. Close the BBQ lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, until cooked and evenly light pink all the way through.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the salsa and set aside until the salmon is ready.
- Serve with whole grains or cooked potatoes or yams with a side of salad or vegetables.
