CORDOVA SALMON

Feeds 4

During salmon season in September, Danny, Lucy, and I were lucky enough to travel to Cordova, Alaska, under the auspices of the Copper River Marketing Association. They wanted us to see where the most delicious salmon in the world are raised and fished. We were astonished by three things in Cordova: 1) how gorgeous that area of the earth is; 2) how the fishermen, scientists, and governmental officials work together harmoniously there for the sustainability of the fish; and 3) how often the people who live there eat salmon. After the third potluck we attended with at least twelve dishes made with my favorite fish, I asked someone there. “So, do you ever get tired of salmon?” She looked astonished and answered immediately: “Of course not.” We think the citizens of Cordova would approve of this quick Asian-inspired broiled salmon.

• 1 pound salmon fillets, skin off and pin bones removed (we prefer wild Alaskan salmon)
• 2 tablespoons peeled and grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free tamari
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce (make sure it’s gluten-free; we prefer Red Boat)
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• Freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime

Prepare the fish. Slice the fish into 2-ounce pieces, in the shape of fingers.

Make the marinade. In a large bowl, mix all the remaining ingredients together.

Marinate the fish. Put the salmon in the marinade and let it sit for 1 hour.

Prepare to cook. Preheat the broiler thoroughly. You want it to be really hot.

Broil the fish. Remove the fish from the marinade and place in a large cast-iron skillet. Put the skillet under the broiler. Cook until the fish has reached an internal temperature of 120°F, or about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Feel like playing?

You could use any thick, fatty fish you want for this. Also, if you don’t want to marinate fish in this sauce, it’s a heck of a good marinade for chicken or tofu as well.