From mid-November through January, we rarely use our grill. We’re completely content snuggled up inside with both the fireplace and air conditioner going, huddled around mugs of homemade cocoa and big one-bowl meals of carbs, cream, fat, cheese, more cream, and more carbs.
From February through mid-November, weather permitting, we grill 3-4 dinners a week and at least one lunch on the weekend. And since we’ve only seen rain 5 days since mid-January, the weather has permitted even more than usual. Nothing is off-limits. Meats, vegetables, breads, fruit, and even pound cake – nearly everything tastes better smoke-infused and flame-kissed.
Next to shrimp, salmon is our favorite seafood to grill. We rub the salmon with a smokey mixture of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and creole mustard and then when it comes off the grill, it’s finished with a drizzle of maple syrup. The slightly sweet syrup pairs wonderfully with the smokey rub.
Using the cedar plank is optional. We make it with and without the cedar plank – I prefer it without. I think The Foodie Groom prefers it without, too. Or maybe he’d just prefer that I stop shoving a fork loaded with cedar-planked salmon in his face, “Smell that! Smell that? Doesn’t it smell like Home Depot?”
Grilled Maple-Chili Salmon
Grilled salmon seasoned with smokey chili powder and maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon, cut into 3-4 filets
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp creole mustard (or any spicy brown mustard)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- If using, soak the cedar plank for at least 20 minutes.
- Stir together the dry ingredients and then stir in the olive oil and mustard.
- Spread the rub over the top and sides of the filets and let sit while the grill heats.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Place fish on the soaked plank and cook for ~15 minutes, until the fish flakes and the internal temperature reaches 140.
- If not using the plank, place skin side down and cook 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately drizzle each filet with ~1 tsp of maple syrup.
Notes
Yields: 3-4 servings
Estimated time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260.6g | Fat: 13.0g | Fiber 0g | Protein 28.8g | Carbs 4.4g
Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6
Those are some gorgeous salmon fillets! I love the combination in this dish. Definitely going to try it next time I pick up some salmon.
I’m LOL at the part about Home Depot 🙂 Can’t wait to try this!
What I wouldn’t do for a cedar plank and a grill…maybe this explains why I’m still eating bowls of creamy cheesy carbs.
the spice mix on this sounds to DIE for!
That sounds wonderful! And what is that in the background – please tell me grilled sweet potato.
Yep, it’s grilled sweet potatoes! They’re so very good, too. I’ll be sharing the recipe next week!
Salmon is my FAVORITE food ever! One of my favorite ways to prepare it is with a smoky maple glaze. I used to be so spoiled when I lived in Idaho eating it twice a week or so.
oooh la la! look s yummy. im having a little bbq this sunday and i think i may have to add this to the menu
Haha, the home depot thing had me laughing. That would definitely turn me off of cedar planks! This looks absolutely delicious! I love salmon–so easy to cook and healthy!
I love grilled salmon. This looks perfect!
I think I’ve found my main course recipe for my Pirate Themed Dinner Club that I’m hosting next week and will make perfect use of the maple syrup my friend just gave me. Cedar PLANKed Salmon it is! Yum!!
The spice rub sounds fantastic and I love that you add the hint of sweetness with just a little bit of maple syrup. We haven’t been grilling as much as I’d like this summer, but we have a new grill coming very soon, so perhaps we’ll extend out grilling season further into the fall 🙂
This looks delicious! I love grilling salmon. It takes on any flavors you add to it so easily, and this looks like a terrific combo!
guess what’s for dinner tonight! yummy 😀
Little late on this post, but I just made this today and it was WONDERFUL. It was our first time ever cooking salmon (grill or otherwise) and this was so easy to make and was delicious!
Thanks for the recipe!
-Dannie
Maybe I missed the question, but I was wondering as far as the mustard go could regular mustard work? I’m not a big fan of spicy mustard or is it used for a particular reason? I’ve just started cooking salmon to help my iron levels for enlistment reasons and would love to try to make it taste better each time I make it and this definitely looks like it’s scrumptious. P.s i love your site inspiring.
Thanks Morgen! No one in my house eats mustard but me and I like spicy mustard. Should be no problem using plain mustard, though. Enjoy!