Grilled Salmon

It's no secret that grilling fish is a breeze — if we're talking about small fillets and steaks, that is. But most people shy away from barbecuing a whole side of salmon; turning such a large piece of fish on the grill is downright intimidating. However, with the right technique — which seems to be a well-kept secret — it's actually pretty effortless.

Take it from us: We've been turning fish with ease in the Bon Appétit test kitchen for years now. In fact, there are two ways to do it, and contributing editor Lane Crowther has outlined both here. She has also included a recipe for a refreshing salsa.

When you present this stunning grilled fish, be prepared for a dilemma: Should you allow your guests to think that you've performed an extraordinary feat, or should you let them in on our little secret?

Grilled Salmon with Tomato, Cucumber and Caper Salsa

8 servings

The salmon can be grilled two ways. The first method requires a fish-grilling basket, which can be found at many cookware and barbecue stores (use one that's about 18 by 6 inches for this recipe). The second technique doesn't call for any special equipment at all — just a rimless baking sheet and a spatula.

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup chopped shallots
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cumin

1 medium English hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, diced
1 12-ounce basket small cherry tomatoes, each quartered
1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup drained capers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Nonstick vegetable oil spray 1 2 1/2 - to 2 3/4-pound salmon fillet with skin (1 whole side)

Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl. Season marinade with salt and pepper. Combine 1/2 cup marinade, cucumber and next 4 ingredients in medium bowl; season salsa with salt and pepper. Let stand 30 minutes; toss occasionally.

Spray barbecue rack with nonstick spray and prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place salmon, skin side down, in large glass baking dish. Top with remaining marinade. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.



To grill salmon using fish basket, spray basket with nonstick spray. Place salmon in fish basket, folding tail under if fish is too long. Place basket on barbecue and grill salmon, skin side up, 5 minutes.



Turn basket over; grill salmon until just opaque in center, about 5 minutes longer. Turn salmon out onto platter.



To grill salmon without using a basket, spray rimless baking sheet with nonstick spray. Place salmon, skin side up, on sheet. Spray skin with nonstick spray. Slide salmon, skin side up, onto barbecue. Grill 5 minutes.



Stand blade of large spatula at 1 long side of salmon to hold in place. From opposite side, slide rimless baking sheet completely under salmon. Hold salmon with spatula; turn sheet and salmon over, releasing salmon, skin side down, onto barbecue. Grill salmon until just opaque in center, about 5 minutes longer. Slide baking sheet under salmon; transfer fish to platter. Serve with salsa.