Please Note: This post has been sponsored by Da Vine Foods. All opinions are our own.
Experience Summer Flavors with Da Vine Foods Passion Fruit Purée: Grilled Salmon with Exotic Glaze
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we can almost taste the vibrant flavors of summer! It’s that wonderful time of year when outdoor grilling becomes a cherished ritual, bringing together delicious food and great company. Today, we’re kicking off the season (unofficially!) with a recipe that encapsulates everything we love about summer: succulent Grilled Salmon enhanced by an irresistible Passion Fruit Glaze. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bursting with bright, sweet, and tangy notes, making it a perfect addition to your summer menu. And for that authentic, tropical twist, we’re proudly featuring the exceptional Passion Fruit Purée from Da Vine Foods, which truly elevates this recipe from good to extraordinary.
Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with a delicate smoky aroma, all coated in a glistening, golden glaze that balances the richness of the fish with the exotic zest of passion fruit. This recipe promises an unforgettable culinary journey, perfect for backyard BBQs, special gatherings, or a delightful weeknight dinner. Join us as we explore the art of plank grilling and unveil the secrets to creating a show-stopping passion fruit glaze that will have everyone asking for more.
Mastering Plank-Grilled Salmon: A Guide to Smoky Perfection
When it comes to grilling, achieving that coveted smoky flavor is often the ultimate goal. While convenient, gas grills sometimes fall short of the deep, rich essence imparted by a traditional charcoal or wood-fired grill. But fear not, even if a gas grill is your primary outdoor cooking companion, there’s a time-honored technique that can transform your grilling experience: plank grilling. This method, popular for decades, allows you to infuse your food with incredible wood-fired flavors, regardless of your grill type.
A wood plank acts as a barrier between your food and the direct flame, preventing scorching while slowly releasing aromatic smoke. Cedar planks are arguably the most common and easiest to find, celebrated for their distinct, mild, and sweet smoke that pairs exceptionally well with fish. However, the world of grilling planks offers a delightful variety, each imparting a unique flavor and aroma profile to your culinary creations. Beyond cedar, you can explore options like Alder, Apple, Cherry, Maple, and Pecan, all of which offer distinct nuances. For this particular Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Glaze recipe, we find that the subtle smokiness of cedar, alder, or even fruitwood like apple or cherry beautifully complements the bright passion fruit, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. We encourage you to experiment with different wood types to discover your personal favorite and tailor the smoky depth to your palate.
While various foods can benefit from plank grilling, fish — particularly salmon — stands out as the most popular choice. If you haven’t yet tried this technique, you’re in for a treat! Plank grilling not only elevates the flavor of your fish but also offers practical advantages. Delicate fish fillets often pose a challenge on open grates, with the risk of falling through into the flames. A plank provides a stable, non-stick surface, ensuring your fish remains intact and beautifully presented, eliminating stress and making grilling delicate items virtually foolproof. The gentle, indirect heat of the plank ensures even cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and tender fish every time.
Preparing Your Plank and Salmon for Grilling Success
Embarking on the plank grilling journey is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key steps to ensure a flawless outcome. This method is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both novice and experienced grill masters alike. The most crucial initial step is preparing your wood plank. Before it ever touches the heat, your plank needs a good soak.
Simply submerge your chosen grilling plank in water for at least 30 minutes, though an hour or more is even better. This presoaking prevents the plank from catching fire on the grill and allows it to slowly release steam and smoke, infusing your salmon with that wonderful woody essence. For an extra layer of flavor and creativity, you can even soak your plank in beer or wine, adding subtle notes that complement the fish beautifully. While your plank soaks, take this time to prepare your salmon. A light seasoning of salt and pepper is all that’s truly needed, as the rich flavors of the plank and the passion fruit glaze will do most of the work.
Achieving Perfectly Grilled Salmon: Timing and Technique
The grilling time for salmon can vary based on the thickness of your fillet and the intensity of your grill’s heat. Generally, a thick salmon fillet grilled on a plank will be ready in approximately 6 to 12 minutes. The most reliable indicator of doneness is when the salmon begins to flake easily with a fork. We recommend using thick fillets with the skin on, placing the fish skin-down directly onto the soaked plank. As the salmon cooks, the skin will adhere to the plank, allowing you to effortlessly slide off a perfectly cooked, skinless fillet for serving. This method not only makes for easy plating but also ensures the fish remains incredibly moist throughout the cooking process. For optimal food safety, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet.
The Secret Weapon: A Dazzling Passion Fruit Glaze
As mentioned, a simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often sufficient for salmon, but why stop there when you can elevate it to an entirely new dimension? Our secret weapon for transforming this simple grilled salmon into a culinary masterpiece is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy passion fruit glaze. This glaze isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s the star that brings an explosion of tropical flavor to every bite, perfectly complementing the smoky depth of the plank-grilled salmon.
Glazes are, in our opinion, an underutilized culinary tool. They offer an incredible balance of flavor, visual appeal, and surprising ease of preparation. This particular passion fruit glaze is a testament to that, featuring high-quality passion fruit purée from Da Vine Foods and just four other readily available ingredients. The beauty of this glaze lies in its simplicity and the profound impact it has on the overall dish. The sweet and tart notes of passion fruit, combined with a hint of savory depth, create an unforgettable flavor profile that perfectly cuts through the richness of the salmon.
The magic happens as you apply the glaze to the fish while it cooks on the plank. The technique is straightforward: quickly lift the grill lid, generously baste the salmon with the luscious glaze using a pastry brush, and then promptly close the lid to lock in the heat and smoky goodness. Repeat this basting process 2-3 more times throughout the grilling duration. This layering technique allows the glaze to caramelize slightly, forming a beautiful, glossy coating that not only enhances the visual appeal but also deeply infuses the salmon with an incredible depth of flavor. Each brushstroke contributes to a massive flavor enhancement, creating a truly spectacular dish.
Sourcing the Best: Where to Find High-Quality Passion Fruit Purée
For a recipe like this, the quality of your ingredients truly shines through, especially when it comes to a star component like passion fruit purée. You might wonder where to find such high-quality, authentic passion fruit products, particularly if you don’t live in a tropical region. Our secret source, and one we’ve relied on for over a year, is Da Vine Foods. Based in beautiful Hawaii, Da Vine Foods specializes in an array of exceptional lilikoi (the Hawaiian name for passion fruit) products that consistently deliver on flavor and quality.
We’re passionate about their products because they capture the pure, intense essence of fresh passion fruit, which is vital for achieving the vibrant flavor profile in our glaze. Ordering directly from the source ensures you receive the freshest and most authentic purée, bringing a true taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. The versatility of Da Vine Foods’ passion fruit purée extends far beyond this salmon recipe. We’ve incorporated it into numerous other dishes, showcasing its incredible range. Just a few of our other favorite creations using Da Vine Foods Passion Fruit products include:
- Passion Fruit Milk Chocolate Hand-Rolled Truffles: A decadent treat where the tartness of passion fruit cuts through rich chocolate.
- Brie and Passion Fruit Pepper Jelly Grilled Cheese: A sophisticated twist on a classic, offering a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
- Passion Fruit Cocktails: Perfect for those refreshing summer beverages, adding an irresistible tropical zing.
- Passion Fruit White Chocolate Mint Gelato: A cool and creamy dessert, bursting with fresh flavors.
- Passion Fruit and Peach Waffles: A fantastic breakfast or brunch idea, combining sweet peaches with tangy passion fruit.
If you’re eager to try these exceptional products for yourself, Da Vine Foods has generously provided our readers with a special discount code. You can receive an enticing 15% off your entire order of $50 or more, and the best part is, shipping is always free! Simply use the code CWW15 at checkout to unlock these incredible savings and start your own culinary adventure with lilikoi.
The purée is incredibly versatile, making it a must-have ingredient in any pantry. It excels in sauces, glazes, and marinades, imparting a unique brightness and depth. It’s equally fantastic for baking, adding a tropical twist to desserts from cheesecakes to tarts. However, for us, this Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Glaze recipe unequivocally claims its spot at the top of our list for savory summer dishes. Its perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tart flavors makes it an absolute showstopper.
Savor the Flavors: Your Summer Culinary Adventure Awaits!
We genuinely hope you’re as excited as we are to try this phenomenal Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Glaze. This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, blending fresh, high-quality ingredients with simple yet impactful techniques to create something truly special. The vibrant tropical notes of passion fruit, combined with the delicate smoky essence of plank-grilled salmon, promise a meal that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, planning a romantic dinner, or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Its stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor profile make it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different garnishes or side dishes to make it truly your own. We love serving it with a light quinoa salad or some grilled asparagus for a complete, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal.
If you give this recipe a try, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts and creations by leaving us a comment below. And if you’re on Instagram, be sure to tag us @cooking_with_wine so we can see your beautiful dishes. Your feedback and photos inspire us to keep sharing delicious recipes like this one!
📖 Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Glaze
Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Glaze
With all the flavors of Summer, this Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Glaze features a delicious sweet and tart coating that will transport your taste buds to the tropics.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300 kcal
Ingredients
For the Glaze
- ½ cup (125g) Passion fruit puree
- ½ cup (125g) Honey
- ¼ cup (60g) White wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15g) Soy sauce
- ¼ cup (60g) fish stock or water
For the Salmon
- 1 12-oz Salmon Fillet – skin on
- pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 Grilling Plank (Cedar or other food-grade grilling plank)
- Chopped fresh dill and chives for garnish.
Instructions
Prep the Salmon
- Soak your wooden plank – submerged – in water for 30 minutes or more.
- Dry the salmon thoroughly with paper towels and place it in the refrigerator skin side down and uncovered while your plank soaks. When the plank is ready, remove the fish from the fridge and season the flesh side with salt and pepper. Place it on the plank when you are ready to grill.
- While the plank soaks, prepare the glaze.
Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine the passion fruit puree, honey, and vinegar. Whisk over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Reduce by approximately 50%, whisking occasionally. This reduction process may take 10 minutes or more, until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Once reduced, stir in the soy sauce and fish stock (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for another 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before using.
Grilling
- Preheat your gas grill to high heat. Once hot, turn the burner directly beneath where you plan to place the salmon plank to low. If your grill has multiple burners, keep the other burners on high to maintain overall grill temperature.
- Using a kitchen brush, baste the salmon generously with the prepared passion fruit glaze while it’s on the wood plank. Place the entire plank with the salmon onto the grill over the low heat zone and close the lid. Baste the salmon again quickly after 2 minutes, and repeat every 2 minutes until the fish is cooked through (total cooking time 6-12 minutes). To check for doneness, gently squeeze the fish; it’s ready when it easily separates along its natural flakes.
- Carefully remove the entire plank from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, using a metal spatula, slide the salmon fillet off the skin, leaving the cooked skin behind on the plank. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and chives, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 300 kcal
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!