The weather is getting warmer and all we want to do this time of year is cook outside on the best charcoal grill we know. Here's a great Salmon preparation from our friends the Smokehouse Rats for those days when you are hankering to smoke up something a bit lighter on your PK. 

Salmon 360

For the Salmon:

1.5# salmon fillet w/ skin

cedar plank

15 sprigs of fresh thyme

6 lemon slices

1 Tbsp dark brown sugar

3/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp fine ground pepper

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp ground thyme

1-1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Soak cedar plank for 1+ hours prior to grilling.

2. Combine herb mix ingredients for salmon and coat the salmon evenly.

3. Over med-high heat, place plank on grill till it smokes and is charred. Turn plank over.

4. Place seasoned salmon on the plank, skin side down, then top with thyme sprigs and lemon slices.

5. Grill to desired doneness.  Medium-rare takes around 8 minutes* and medium takes around 13 minutes*. 

*Times can vary depending on grill temperature.

For the Rat Rice

1 Tbsp EVOO

1 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced celery

2 green onions chopped

1 cup long grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 pound hot breakfast sausage

1/2 Tbsp ground sage

1/4 tsp cajun seasoning

1. Mix sausage and sage and cook thoroughly.

2. Cook rice according to package, but replace water with chicken broth.

3. In a large skillet, heat EVOO over medium heat and cook onion till soft.

4. Add celery and cook till soft.

5. Add rice, sausage, and green onions to mixture and cook for 5 minutes.

6. Sprinkle with cajun seasoning.

For the asparagus:

1 pound asparagus (we prefer the larger stalks)

1 Tbsp EVOO

1 Tbsp Sesame Oil

1. Heat EVOO and sesame oil over med-high heat.

2. Add asparagus and saute for 7-10 minutes till soft.

To finish:

1. Build a bed of rice, top with fish and add asparagus on the side.

3. Pour a cool beverage and ask the nearest person about their day.

2. Enjoy food, beverage and conversation.