Salmon makes me happy. It’s one of my favorite dinners. But there’s good salmon and then there’s great salmon. You know that perfect hickory grilled salmon that you get in an upscale restaurant? There’s a secret to getting that flavor. This is it.
The secret to perfect grilled salmon? There are two secrets, actually. The first is brown sugar. I know… I know. Sugar is the devil. But sometimes it’s necessary. Can you make grilled salmon without sugar? Of course. But wow does it taste a million times better with it. And the second secret? A hickory grilling plank. It infuses so much flavor it’s insane. Be sure to submerge it in water for a couple hours before you grill so it doesn’t catch fire. That would suck. And ruin dinner. You don’t want that.
Anyway, this salmon literally melts in your mouth. It has to be the omega-3’s but it’s like the second I take the first bite it goes right to my brain and makes me happy. How about you?
Health Benefits of Salmon
There are amazing health benefits to eating wild salmon, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, omega-3 fatty acids can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other diseases. However, you should monitor your wild salmon consumption if you are pregnant or nursing.
Farm-Raised vs. Wild Salmon
The EPA and the FDA both recognize salmon as a low-mercury fish, but they do not make a distinction between wild and farm-raised. The source of your salmon is extremely important. A 2004 and 2008 study (among others) found that farmed salmon had significantly higher levels of contaminants and mercury than their wild counterparts.
It is important to know that Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is not allowed to be farmed and has a very low risk of mercury contamination compared to farm-raised salmon.
Recipe Resources
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Primal Palate Seafood Seasoning
Perfect Hickory Grilled Salmon Recipe
Click on the recipe card to open a new window for a printable version.
Are you Inspired?
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Love, hugs, and dinner’s served.
