Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil plus more
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 2-pound center-cut piece of boneless salmon fillet, skin on
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped peeled, seeded cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Ingredient info: Garam masala, an Indian spice mixture, is available in the spice section of better supermarkets and at Indian markets.

Method

  • Prepare grill (medium-high heat). Puree ginger, 1/4 cup oil, 1 tablespoon garam masala, garlic, coriander, and cumin in a blender until coarse puree forms. Put salmon into a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Coat salmon with ginger pureee. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, stir yogurt, cucumber, cilantro, scallions, lime juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala in a medium bowl. Season raita to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Brush the grill rack with oil. Brush off marinade for easier grilling, or leave it on for a better crust. Grill salmon, turning once, until it just begins to flake in center, 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer salmon to a platter. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with raita.