Salmon with Lemon and Herbs, Lightly Smoked

Total time: 15 minutes
    This is a cross between smoking and grilling.  The wood chips are optional, but we like the added flavor, especially for salmon.  As always, with fish, cook until it just flakes easily, being careful not to let it on too long.  You could also roast the salmon, 400F (200C) oven.  If you do, add 1/2 tsp soy sauce to the lemon/herb mixture.

 Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets, 6oz (180gr) each 
• 2 tbs lemon juice
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs fresh lemon thyme or regular thyme leaves   substitute 1 tsp dried
• 1 tbs snipped fresh parsley     substitute 1 tsp dried
• 1 tsp kosher, sea or rock salt
• wood chips for smoking - apple is nice See Barbecue Grills for more info

 Instructions:

• In small bowl whisk together lemon and oil, it should get thick.
• Add herbs. 
• Spread marinade evenly over salmon and allow to marinate 10 - 15 minutes.
• Grilling without smoking: 
• Put salmon in a grill basket if using barbecue grill or on mesh grill pan or use a grill mat. 
• Cook over indirect heat for 10 - 15 minutes depending on thickness.  You might need to cover the grill for 5 minutes or so.
• Oven: 
• Put on baking sheet and roast in 400F (200C) oven for 15 - 20 minutes, depending on thickness.
• Smoking: 
• Soak a small handful of wood chips in water for at least 15 minutes.
• Charcoal: Put some charcoal in the barbecue, off to one side and light it. 
• When the coals are glowing, add the salmon, either in a basket or on a grill mat, to the other side - in other words, not over the coals. 
• Throw the wood chips on the coals and cover.  Cook for 10 - 15 minutes
• Gas grill:   Only light one side of the grill. 
• Wrap the soaked wood chips loosely in foil.  Poke a few holes in the foil and place on the grill. 
• Keep the fish off of direct heat and the grill cover closed and vented or propped open an inch or so. Cook for 10 - 15 minutes.

In all cases, fish should flake easily but not be dry.  Slightly pink in the center is perfect.  Remove from heat and serve, sliding it off the skin if needed.