Recipe: Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Salad

SPICE-RUBBED GRILLED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

"Holly Peterson Mondavi wowed the guests of the 2000 Napa Valley Auction when she built an open fire twenty feet long and grilled salmon tied to planks directly over the flames. Alas, the presentation might be less impressive on your backyard grill, but the taste will be just as great. A fruit-forward red wine like Merlot will taste luscious with the salmon. If you want to be more conservative, sip a Chardonnay."

2 cups alder and/or cedar wood chips
2 tablespoons lightly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon grey sea salt
2 tablespoons dry mustard
Eight 8-ounce salmon fillets
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 English (hothouse) cucumber
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Soak the wood chips in water for at least 1 hour prior to lighting the grill.

Combine the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of the salt, and the mustard in a small bowl. Rub the salmon with the oil and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over it.

Score the peel of the cucumber using a channel knife or zester. Cut the cucumber into paper-thin slices using a mandoline or sharp knife. Transfer to a medium bowl. Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Add the dill, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Pour over the cucumbers and toss to mix well.

Preheat a gas grill to medium or light a fire in a charcoal grill. Drain the wood chips and sprinkle over the hot coals. (If using a gas grill, set the chips in a smoke box or an aluminum foil pan set in the corner.)

Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down, cover, and cook until browned on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center, about 6 minutes on each side.

TO SERVE:
Spread the cucumber salad on a serving platter and top with the salmon.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Food Lover's Companion to the Napa Valley by Thomas Keller, Lori Lyn Narlock and Michael Carabetta