Name: Crispy-Skinned Grilled Salmon with Whole Lemon–Sesame Sauce
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 (6-oz.) skin-on salmon fillets, pin bones removed, patted dry; 2 Tbsp. plus 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill; Kosher salt; 1 small lemon; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 2 tsp. black sesame seeds; 1 tsp. honey; 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup basil leaves, torn if large

Dish with yellow sauce and basil leaves over grilled salmon

Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou

Adding an entire lemon—skin, pith, and flesh—to the sauce provides brightness and texture. Any bitterness from the pith will be offset by the sesame oil and honey. That balance makes it a super versatile condiment that pairs well with grilled or roasted vegetables and is great as a topping for stews and braises come winter.

Recipe information

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

4 (6-oz.) skin-on salmon fillets, pin bones removed, patted dry

2 Tbsp. plus 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill

Kosher salt

1 small lemon

1 small shallot, finely chopped

2 tsp. black sesame seeds

1 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup basil leaves, torn if large

Preparation

Step 1
Prepare a grill for medium heat. Rub salmon with 2 Tbsp. olive oil; season both sides with kosher salt.
Step 2
Cut ends off lemon and discard. Set lemon upright on a cutting board and slice off 4 lobes, working around the core (the seeds will be left behind). Finely chop lobes (flesh, pith, and all) and transfer to a small bowl; you should have about 1/3 cup. Squeeze juice from core into bowl; discard core. Add shallot, sesame seeds, honey, sesame oil, and 1/3 cup olive oil; season with kosher salt and lots of pepper. Toss to combine.
Step 3
Clean and oil grate, then immediately place salmon on grill, skin side down. Cover and grill, without turning, until skin is lightly charred and flesh is opaque all the way through, 6–8 minutes. Transfer salmon to shallow bowls or plates; let cool slightly. Spoon sauce over salmon. Top with basil; sprinkle with sea salt.

TagsSalmon Fish Seafood Lemon Citrus Fruit Basil Herbs & Spices Main Dinner Dairy Free Gluten Free Keto Quick Easy Weeknight Meals Grilling Summer Bon Appétit

Recipe notes

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