Many cooks prefer to grill larger cuts of fish rather than smaller fillets, since the extra heft helps to trap in moisture and flavor. This recipe calls for a large piece from a side of salmon to be grilled on a bed of citrus and herbs, which helps keeps the fish from sticking to the grate. Instead of a crisp skin, you’ll get plenty of bright flavors from the aromatics. Use this method to grill other types of fish, too, whether whole sides or smaller fillets (even skinless ones). The herbs can vary; dill, marjoram, parsley, and thyme are all particularly lovely with fish.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8

　　Sunflower or other neutral-tasting oil, for grill

　　4 lemons, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

　　2 oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

　　1 small bunch fresh basil

　　1/2 bunch fresh oregano

　　1 piece wild salmon, 3 pounds, 2 to 2 1/2 inches thick, preferably center-cut

　　Coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper

　　

Step 1

Prepare grill Heat the grill to medium (see Grill Temperature Guidelines, page 162). Once it is hot, scrub grates with a grill brush and lightly sweep with oil.

　　

Step 2

Grill fish Make a bed for the fish by first arranging the lemon and orange slices on the grate and then scattering the herbs on top. Lay the salmon skin side down over the herbs and season with sea salt and pepper. Cover the grill and cook salmon 20 to 30 minutes, depending on desired degree of doneness.

　　

Step 3

Serve Use two large spatulas to carefully transfer the salmon, citrus, and herbs to a large platter or board. Serve hot, room temperature, or cold (cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours).

　　

Ingredients

Step 4

A 3-pound piece of salmon is just right for this method. Anything larger may be unwieldy. If you can find only larger sides, have the fishmonger cut away the excess weight from the tail.

　　

Step 5

Sea salt, such as Maldon or fleur de sel, is best for seasoning fish and shellfish.

　　Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook by Martha Stewart. Copyright © 2008 by Martha Stewart. Published by Crown Publishing. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the Emmy-winning, daily national syndicated program, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which publishes several magazines, including Martha Stewart Living; produces Martha Stewart Living Radio, channel 112 on SIRIUS Satellite Radio; and provides a wealth of ideas and information on www.marthastewart.com.