Asian Grilled Salmon + Sautéed Asparagus and Snap Peas



With summer in full swing I've been trying to eat more fish and make good use of our outdoor grill. This marinade is incredibly simple, and gives the salmon a sweet, mild flavor. Crunchy vegetables with a bit of heat are a wonderful compliment to the tender fish.





Asian Grilled Salmon


Recipe courtesy Ina Garten


4 salmon filets


For the marinade:


2 tablespoons Dijon mustard


3 tablespoons good soy sauce


6 tablespoons good olive oil


1/2 teaspoon minced garlic


Light charcoal briquettes in a grill and brush the grilling rack with oil to keep the salmon from sticking.


While the grill is heating, lay the salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Whisk together the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.


Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill; discard the marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon will be slightly raw in the center, but don't worry; it will keep cooking as it sits.


Transfer the fish to a flat plate, skin side down, and spoon the reserved marinade on top. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.





Sautéed Asparagus and Snap Peas


1 pound asparagus


3/4-pound sugar snap peas


2 tablespoons good olive oil


Kosher salt


Freshly ground black pepper


Red pepper flakes, optional


Sea salt, for serving


Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus and slice the stalks diagonally into 2-inch pieces. Snap off the stem ends of the snap peas and pull the string down the length of the vegetable.


Warm the olive oil in a large saute pan over a medium heat and add the asparagus and snap peas. Add the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste, if desired. Cook for approximately 5 to10 minutes until al dente, tossing occasionally. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve hot.