Barbecue Rubbed Salmon

Here in New England we are really enjoying Winter.

Ok, fine. I’m a dirty liar. We’re not totally enjoying it.

While there are some idyllic photo ops including the snow-covered woods and my favorite canine frolicking in the deep powder, I could certainly do without 10-foot snow banks and the icy conditions. I more or less ice-skated the entire two  blocks to my office a few days ago.

What’s even worse? I can’t get at my grill. It’s here somewhere…
This is where the George Foreman comes in really handy. All year long, we make everything from grilled cheese and quesadillas to grilled chicken and burgers. And, in the deep dark of Winter, it allows us to enjoy grilled salmon – a family favorite – despite the fact that the outdoor grill is hibernating. Yippee for small blessings!

Plain ol’ grilled salmon is just fine, but this Barbecue Rubbed Salmon has a terrific robust flavor that hits you with every bite. It is the very same rub I have used on the barbecue rub chicken from several months back. Just a dash of hot, with the cinnamon and brown sugar keeping everything happy and sweet. Kind of like – for my Modern Family fans – inviting Gloria and Cam over for dinner 😉

You can definitely cook this under the broiler or in the oven too. Just follow the same cooking times you would for any piece of salmon. (I usually roast salmon in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes).

Barbecue Rubbed Salmon
Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes     Cook time: 7-10 minutes

1.25 pound salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat your George Foreman or other countertop grill (mine only has one setting, no High or Low).

In a small bowl, mix all the rub ingredients together (sugar through black pepper). Combine thoroughly until it is a thick paste. With your fingers, rub it into each piece of salmon on both sides. Grill for 7 – 10 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Great as a main dish or as an addition to Caesar salad!

ENJOY!