Cooking Fish On Lemons

I don’t remember where I picked up this trick, but I am so glad I did!  Whether you are grilling or baking fish, cooking it on lemons is the way to go.  Fish tends to want to stick to whatever surface it is cooking on, making it difficult to keep it in one piece when taking it off.  I find this especially the case when grilling, because keeping the grill bars greased isn’t easy.  But fish cooks on top of lemons beautifully, soaking up lemon flavors, and comes off in one piece.  Did I mention easy clean up?  You have to try this, so easy!

Just slice the lemons and place them on the surface to be cooked.  If you are grilling, put them on the grill bars.  If you are baking, put them on the baking sheet.  In our case, we had one large piece of salmon, so we wanted to place all the lemons close together to ensure even cooking.  If you have portions, just place two lemon slices under each piece. You will cook at the same temperature as usual.

Then just place the fish right on top.  Close the grill lid, or toss it in the oven, and cook until it flakes easily with a fork.  You don’t want to turn the fish, just leave it alone.  When it is done just toss the lemons.  No messy clean-up, and no extra oil to cook with!

Now for my favorite way with salmon.  I had picked up a can of Potlatch Seasoning in Williams-Sonoma about six years ago, and have bought two cans since.  It is the only spice I have paid shipping for, and it is so worth it!  Even dinner guests that said they don’t like salmon, loved it with this seasoning.  It gives the salmon a spicy kick with just the right blend of herbs and spices.

I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish, then sprinkle a generous amount of the potlatch seasoning over the top.  I do leave it off the portion that my kids eat, it tends to be a bit spicy for them.  Throw it on the grill over the lemons, and your dinner guests will think you are a culinary genius.  And it couldn’t be easier, takes only a few minutes to prepare.

How about you, do you have any grilling tips?  Favorite ways to cook fish?  Do share!