grilled salmon pita sandwiches

Salmon

Grilled Salmon Pita Sandwiches

When cooking fish, I like to season simply and focus on the cooking method to yield moist and delicious results with flavor that speaks for itself. This recipe focuses on that, using lots of lemon zest to enhance the fresh flavor of salmon. Served on grilled pita brushed with garlic butter and topped with a crunchy Asian-inspired broccoli and carrot slaw, I hope it becomes one your favorite fish sandwiches.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 4 lemons)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds center-cut skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups julienned carrots (from about 1 large carrot)
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced broccoli florets (from about 5 ounces)
3 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias
pitas:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
4 to 6 pitas
1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Directions

For the salmon: Combine the oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the salmon cubes and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
To make the slaw: Whisk the mayonnaise, orange juice, vinegar, gochujang, sesame seeds, sesame oil and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the carrots, broccoli and scallions and toss to combine. Set aside while you grill the salmon, or refrigerate the slaw for up to 3 hours before serving.
Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Divide the salmon between 4 to 6 metal skewers (or wooden skewers soaked in water for 1 hour). Place the skewers on the pan and grill, turning to get grill marks on all four sides, until the salmon is cooked to the desired doneness, about 6 minutes for medium-rare salmon. Transfer to a plate and let rest a few minutes.
For the pitas: Place the butter and garlic in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the butter is melted and the garlic becomes very fragrant, about 30 seconds. Brush the pitas with the garlic butter and place on the grill pan until lightly toasted and warmed through, about 1 minute per side.
Place a pita on a plate, top with the broccoli slaw and then the grilled salmon from 1 skewer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.