BBQ Style Topped Salmon

I whipped a couple big salmon dishes together for a recent family dinner, and both were a hit.  This one was a spicier, more BBQ-style topped salmon.  When you brine the fish, I find it keeps it moist and really flavorful upon cooking.  Yum!

BBQ Style Topped Salmon, ready for baking! 

Flavorful BBQ Style Topped Salmon, ready to eat! 

BBQ Style Topped Salmon

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Mix together a saltwater brine:
2 quarts water
5 Tbsp salt

Soak/brine 1.5 lb salmon filet for 15- 20 minutes.   Pat salmon dry and set on foil-lined baking tray.

Mix together in a bowl, then spread on top of salmon:
1/4 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1-2 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1-2 tsp minced garlic

Salmon topped with mayonnaise spread - yes, it kind of has a cinnamon-sugar look, but definitely a nice spicy taste! 

On top of mayonnaise spread, place:
1/2 vidalia onion or red onion, thinly sliced
drizzle of favorite BBQ sauce (make sure it's gluten-free)

Ready for baking! (or you can BBQ off-heat aiming for a similar overall temperature in your BBQ)

Bake salmon at 425 F for 20-22 minutes, or until nicely cooked at thickest point. (Thinner cuts may take less time, thicker may require a few extra minutes).

Delicious served with white or brown rice - ideally seasoned with garlic, onions, parsley, squeeze of fresh lemon, salt and pepper during cooking.