Grill

The 110º day in Sacramento a couple of weeks ago was a brutal reminder that the summer heat is in full swing! During the hot days I avoid using the oven whenever I can. I’d much rather send the hubby outside to operate the grill allowing me to enjoy a lazy evening. This is a quick and easy, flavor packed, and super refreshing salmon recipe, perfect for these warm summer nights. The salmon is seasoned with some of my favorite Mexican spices giving it a nice little oomph and the avocado salsa is cool and refreshing making this a perfectly balanced dish. It is light in calories and carbs, perfect for anyone looking for a great tasting and healthy meal.

FISH INGREDIENTS
2 lbs salmon filets
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper

AVOCADO SALSA INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp olive oil
2 limes
1 tsp salt
1 avocado, peeled, deseeded, and sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, deseeded, deveined, and chopped
1/4 red bell pepper, deseeded, deveined, and chopped
1/4 yellow bell pepper, deseeded, deveined, and chopped
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

STEPS

Pat the salmon dry and rub the meat side of the fish with the olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, coriander, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and pepper.
Season the meat side of the filet with seasoning mix and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
While the salmon is chilling make the avocado salsa by whisking together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice from 2 limes, and salt in a small bowl
Combine the avocado, red onion, peppers, and cilantro in a medium bowl and pour the juice mixture over the salsa and gently stir to combine.
Refrigerate avocado salsa until ready to serve.
Preheat the grill to 325º.
Grill the salmon for about 4–6 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
Transfer the salmon to a cutting board and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Place the salmon steaks on plates and top with the avocado salsa.

Recipe adapted from Laylita’s Recipes.

So the other day I realized that I had yet to post any grilling recipes. What have I been thinking!?! A good amount of the protein prepared in our household is done on our grill thanks to my hubby. Well to make up for a lack of bbq recipes I will give you one of my favorites. These pork chops wrapped in bacon are sure to get your taste buds going and are relatively easy to prepare. The two pork elements truly complement one another both flavor wise and visually. That delicious salty pig topped with the grilled onions saturated in bbq sauce, oohhhhh it is just so good! The bacon really helps to trap in all the juices so you end up with a moist and tender pork chop. Just be sure not to overcook them as pork chops can dry out quickly. This truly is a great grilling recipe to kick start the summer. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
8 strips thick sliced bacon
4 boneless pork loin chops, at least 1” thick
2 tsp McCormick Grill Mates bbq seasoning
1 c of your favorite bbq sauce (I love Tony Roma’s Original with this recipe)
1 yellow onion
olive oil
salt and pepper

STEPS

Wrap one edge of the pork chop with a strip of bacon and then wrap the other edge with a second piece so that the ends overlap.
Using a toothpick, secure the bacon where it overlaps by stabbing the toothpick through the bacon and into the chop.
Season both sides of the pork chop with bbq seasoning and then drizzle with half of the bbq sauce.
Preheat grill to 400º while meat marinades.
Cut your onion into 1/4” thick slices.
Using toothpicks spear each onion slice going through the layers. This will help keep the onion from falling apart on the grill.
Drizzle onion slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill pork chops and onions over direct heat for 10 minutes turning once.
Transfer the grilled onions to a large sheet of heavy foil and remove the toothpicks.
Top onions with remaining bbq sauce and fold the foil like an envelope leaving some air inside.
Place foil envelope on the grill and continue to cook it and the pork for an additional 10 minutes turning once more. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145º and onions should be nice and tender.
Remove toothpicks from pork chops and top with the grilled onions.