Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe – Grilled Perfection

Indulge in the smoky, tender, and utterly delicious Cedar Plank Salmon. This recipe is our secret to achieving grilled fish perfection every time. With a quick and tangy Dijon maple wet rub, infused with the flavors of smoked paprika, garlic, rosemary, and chipotle, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Plus, grilling it on cedar planks adds an extra layer of smoky, woodsy goodness, while preventing the fish from sticking or falling apart.

Key Takeaways:

• Enhance the flavor of salmon by grilling it on soaked cedar planks.
• Soak the cedar planks in warm water or flavorful liquid for about 2 hours to prevent burning and add a cedar-infused taste.
• The wet rub marinade combines stone ground Dijon mustard, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, fresh rosemary, and a blend of spices.
• Grill the salmon on the cedar planks until it reaches the desired internal temperature, around 130 degrees Fahrenheit for a moist and tender result.
• Experiment with different soaking liquids and serve the cedar plank salmon with various side dishes for a personalized touch.

Why Use Cedar Planks for Grilling

When it comes to grilling, cedar plank cooking is a game-changer. Not only does it add a unique smoky flavor to your food, but it also helps lock in moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful dishes. Let’s dive into why using cedar planks for grilling is a must-try technique.

First and foremost, cedar planks infuse your food with a distinct woodsy aroma that elevates the taste to a whole new level. The natural oils in cedarwood impart flavors that complement a variety of ingredients, especially salmon. The combination of cedar and salmon creates a delightful harmony of smokiness and richness that is simply irresistible.

To ensure the best results, it’s crucial to prepare the cedar planks properly. Before use, rinse the planks to remove any dust or debris. Then, soak them in warm water or a flavorful liquid for about 2 hours. This helps prevent the planks from burning during grilling and enhances the cedar flavor that will permeate your dish. Once soaked, let the planks dry before placing the salmon on them.

Grilling on cedar planks not only imparts incredible flavor but also provides a practical way to cook delicate foods like fish. The planks act as a barrier between the food and the direct heat, resulting in a gentler cooking process. This helps prevent the fish from sticking to the grill grates and ensures that every bite of salmon is moist and perfectly cooked.

“Cedar planks infuse your food with a distinct woodsy aroma that elevates the taste to a whole new level.”

By grilling salmon on cedar planks, you’ll not only impress your friends and family with the delicious flavors but also add a visually appealing and unique touch to your outdoor cooking experience. So, why not give cedar plank grilling a try and take your BBQ skills to the next level?

Ingredients for Cedar Plank Salmon

In order to prepare the mouthwatering cedar plank salmon recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

In addition to the flavorful ingredients, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets and cedar planks for grilling. These ingredients work together to create a delicious and aromatic cedar plank salmon dish that will impress your family and friends.

How to Make Cedar Plank Salmon

To create a delicious and flavorful cedar plank salmon, follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Soak the Planks

Begin by soaking the cedar planks in warm water or a flavored liquid for approximately 2 hours. This helps prevent the planks from burning and infuses the salmon with a subtle, smoky essence.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Rub Marinade

In a bowl, combine stone-ground Dijon mustard, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, freshly grated lemon zest, chopped rosemary, and a medley of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a tangy and herbaceous rub.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon Fillets

Take the fresh salmon fillets and generously coat them with the wet rub marinade, ensuring that every inch is covered. Allow the salmon to rest for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect environment for grilling the cedar plank salmon to perfection.

Step 5: Grill the Salmon on Cedar Planks

Once the planks have finished soaking, remove them from the liquid and pat them dry. Place the dried planks on the grill grates, allowing them to heat up for a few minutes. Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets onto the cedar planks, arranging them in a single layer. Close the grill lid and let the salmon cook until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cedar plank salmon is done, remove it from the grill and carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Experience the irresistible combination of tender salmon, smoky richness, and flavorful marinade with this easy cedar plank salmon recipe. Impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish that is simple to make but delivers exceptional taste.

Tips for Grilling Cedar Plank Salmon

Grilling cedar plank salmon is a delightful experience that elevates the flavors of this delicious salmon recipe. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful cedar plank salmon BBQ:

1. Use a non-reactive container for soaking the planks: Before grilling, soak the cedar planks in water or a flavorful liquid. Opt for a non-reactive container like a baking dish or a large zip-top bag to avoid any unwanted flavors transferring to the salmon.
2. Experiment with different soaking liquids: Get creative and infuse additional flavors into your cedar plank salmon by using different soaking liquids. Try using beer, wine, citrus juices, or even a combination of herbs and spices for added depth and complexity.
3. Weigh down the planks in the soaking liquid: To prevent the cedar planks from floating in the soaking liquid, place a heavy object on top of them. This ensures that the planks are fully submerged, allowing for an even and thorough soaking.
4. Check for flare-ups: As you grill the cedar plank salmon, keep an eye out for flare-ups caused by dripping oils or marinades. These flare-ups can lead to excessive charring or even a fire. Have a spray bottle filled with water nearby to quickly extinguish any flames.
5. Select high-quality salmon: To achieve the best results, choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for grilling. Look for vibrant color, firm texture, and a pleasant aroma. It’s worth investing in premium salmon for a truly exceptional cedar plank salmon experience.
6. Let the salmon come to room temperature: Before placing the salmon on the cedar planks, allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking and helps the salmon retain its natural juiciness.
7. Avoid overcooking the fish: Overcooking salmon can result in dryness and toughness. Cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of around 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Remember, the residual heat will continue to cook the fish even after it’s removed from the grill.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve perfectly grilled cedar plank salmon every time. The combination of smoky flavors from the cedar planks and the succulent, tender salmon creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Now let’s move on to the next section where we’ll explore how to know when cedar plank salmon is done.

How to Know When Cedar Plank Salmon is Done

Determining the perfect doneness of your cedar plank salmon is crucial to achieving a flavorful and moist result. There are several methods you can utilize to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection:

1. Use an instant-read meat thermometer: The most accurate way to determine if your salmon is done is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for a moist and tender salmon, the recommended internal temperature is around 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Observe the appearance and texture: As the salmon cooks, it will turn opaque and easily flake apart with a fork. If the fish still appears translucent and firm, it needs more time on the grill.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cedar plank salmon is cooked to perfection every time, creating a delicious and healthy fish recipe that will impress your guests.

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe

Ready to savor the mouthwatering flavors of cedar-planked salmon straight from your grill? This grilled cedar plank salmon recipe is the perfect combination of smoky, woodsy goodness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Let’s dive right into the deliciousness!

Before we start, make sure you have soaked your cedar planks in warm water for a couple of hours. This soaking process not only prevents the planks from burning but also imparts a subtle cedar-infused aroma to your salmon.

Now, let’s get to the star of the show – the marinade! Create a tantalizing blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. This aromatic mixture will infuse the salmon with incredible flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Carefully place your soaked cedar planks on the grill grates, and then lay the marinated salmon fillets directly on top. The planks act as a natural cooking surface, enhancing the flavors of the fish while protecting it from sticking to the grill.

Grill the salmon over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Keep a close eye on the salmon, as cedar planks can cook the fish faster than traditional methods. When the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a beautiful golden color, it’s time to take it off the heat.

Serve your grilled cedar plank salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and watch as your guests savor each succulent bite. The combination of the smoky cedar and the vibrant flavors of the marinade will leave everyone craving more.

For a complete visual guide, here is a table showcasing the key ingredients for your grilled cedar plank salmon:

| Ingredients |
|———————————–|
| Cedar Planks |
| Fresh Salmon Fillets |
| Olive Oil |
| Salt |
| Pepper |
| Lemon Zest |
| Fresh Rosemary |
| Thyme |
| Garlic |

Now that you have the recipe and all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to fire up that grill and enjoy the mouthwatering experience of grilled cedar plank salmon. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dish!

Variations and Serving Suggestions

There are several variations and serving suggestions for cedar plank salmon. You can customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences by substituting ingredients like honey for maple syrup or experimenting with different herbs and spices. This allows you to create a unique flavor profile that caters to your individual palate.

If you don’t have cedar planks on hand, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the deliciousness of cedar plank salmon by using different types of wood planks such as alder, hickory, or oak. Each type of wood imparts its own distinct flavor, adding an extra dimension to your grilled salmon recipe.

Don’t have access to an outdoor grill? No problem! You can still prepare cedar plank salmon using a stovetop grill pan. Simply heat the grill pan over medium-high heat, place the soaked and dried cedar planks on the grill pan, and follow the same grilling instructions as you would on an outdoor grill.

Cedar plank salmon pairs well with a variety of delicious side dishes. For a light and refreshing accompaniment, try serving your grilled salmon with grilled zucchini. The smoky flavor of the salmon complements the grilled zucchini perfectly, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for a more vibrant and tangy combination, consider serving your cedar plank salmon with a strawberry spinach salad. The sweetness of the strawberries and the freshness of the spinach create a beautiful contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of the salmon.

For a heartier option, serve your cedar plank salmon with a slice of warm and fluffy focaccia bread. The bread’s crispy exterior and soft interior provide the perfect texture to pair with the tender and flavorful fish. It’s a satisfying and complete meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

With these variations and serving suggestions, you can elevate your grilled salmon recipe to new heights. Explore different flavors, experiment with various cooking methods, and pair your cedar plank salmon with complementary side dishes for a truly memorable dining experience.

Conclusion

Grilled cedar plank salmon is a delightful and effortless way to create a succulent and flavorful fish dish. By soaking the cedar planks and marinating the salmon in a delicious wet rub, you can achieve a cedar plank salmon recipe that is both easy to make and impressive to serve.

The process of grilling cedar plank salmon not only infuses the fish with a smoky aroma but also ensures that it remains tender and moist throughout the cooking process. With attention to detail and the right techniques, you can effortlessly elevate your BBQ experience with this easy cedar plank salmon recipe.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, cedar plank salmon is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish that combines the natural flavors of cedar with the delicate taste of salmon. Try out this cedar plank salmon recipe and bring a new level of sophistication to your grilling repertoire.