Cedar Plank Salmon: Delicious Flavor!

My quest to make weeknight dinners less boring led me to a delicious discovery – Cedar Plank Salmon. I was craving something smoky, flavorful, and a bit different from my usual baked salmon. The idea of grilling salmon on a cedar plank intrigued me. I mean, who wouldn’t want to infuse their salmon with that incredible woodsy aroma?! The result? A bold flavor winner that’s now a staple in my kitchen.

This Cedar Plank Salmon is so much more than a recipe; it’s an experience. The smoky aroma fills your kitchen, the salmon practically melts in your mouth, and every bite is a burst of deliciousness. It’s truly a game-changer.

I’m so excited to share all my tips and tricks with you, so you can create your own mouthwatering Cedar Plank Salmon at home. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Cedar Plank Salmon ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything during your normal shopping trip.

• 1.5-2 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off: Opt for a thick cut for the best results.
• 1 cedar plank: Make sure it’s food-grade and large enough to fit your salmon.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings adhere.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: This is key to that smoky flavor!
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic!
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a touch of freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
• 1 lemon, sliced: For adding a bright, citrusy finish and visual appeal.

Here’s my Cedar Plank Salmon secret that takes it from good to incredible – a little bit of brown sugar! Sprinkle a teaspoon or two over the salmon before grilling for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.

No worries if you don’t have dried dill – I use fresh dill all the time in my Cedar Plank Salmon! Just chop up about 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and add it to the seasoning mix.

I love adding extra smoked paprika to my Cedar Plank Salmon for that extra kick! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. The ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together!

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Cedar Plank Salmon – watch the magic happen! Let’s get this party started!

1. Soak the cedar plank: Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This prevents it from catching fire on the grill and infuses the salmon with moisture.
2. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better.
3. Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Season the salmon: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the salmon fillet, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F). If you’re using a gas grill, preheat one side only so you have a cooler zone to move the Cedar Plank Salmon to if needed.
6. Place the salmon on the plank: Place the soaked cedar plank on the preheated grill grates. Place the seasoned salmon fillet on top of the cedar plank.
7. Grill the salmon: Close the grill lid and let the salmon cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet.
8. Check for doneness: Don’t worry if your Cedar Plank Salmon looks slightly charred around the edges – that’s just the cedar plank doing its thing! Use a fork to gently flake the salmon. If it separates easily, it’s ready. In my kitchen, this Cedar Plank Salmon usually takes about 18 minutes to reach that perfect flaky texture.
9. Add lemon slices: During the last few minutes of grilling, add lemon slices on top of the Cedar Plank Salmon to release its flavor into the fish. This is where the magic starts happening!
10. Remove from grill: Carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using tongs or oven mitts. The plank will be hot!

While your Cedar Plank Salmon is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your Cedar Plank Salmon should smell absolutely incredible right now – a mix of smoky wood, savory spices, and fresh lemon.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Cedar Plank Salmon hits the table with some delicious pairings! I love to serve this Cedar Plank Salmon with a side of roasted asparagus and quinoa. The asparagus adds a nice green element, and the quinoa is a healthy and satisfying grain.

This Cedar Plank Salmon is also amazing with a simple salad. Arugula with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the smoky salmon.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the Cedar Plank Salmon with grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are all great options. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. This Cedar Plank Salmon reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps.

This Cedar Plank Salmon is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a great option for a weekend barbecue or a dinner party. It’s sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation.

If you have any leftovers, the **Cedar Plank Salmon** is delicious in salads, sandwiches, or even fish tacos! Flake the salmon and add it to your favorite recipes for a boost of flavor and protein.

I’ve also experimented with a fusion variation using teriyaki sauce instead of the spice rub, which turned out amazing!

FAQs:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cedar Plank Salmon?

Absolutely! This recipe is super simple and straightforward. As long as you soak the cedar plank properly and keep an eye on the grilling time, you’ll be golden. I’ve had total beginners nail this recipe on their first try.

What if I mess up my Cedar Plank Salmon? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Honestly, even if you slightly overcook the salmon, it’ll still be delicious thanks to the smoky flavor from the cedar plank. The spices will also keep it flavorful. Think of it as a happy accident!

How can I prep this Cedar Plank Salmon for busy weeknights?

You can mix the seasoning rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can also soak the cedar plank the night before and keep it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just rub the salmon with the seasoning and throw it on the grill!

Can I use other types of wood planks?

While cedar is the most common and gives the best flavor, you can experiment with other wood planks like alder or maple. Just make sure they are food-grade and soaked properly.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake the Cedar Plank Salmon?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the soaked cedar plank with the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

How do I know when the Cedar Plank Salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. I always use a meat thermometer to be sure!

Can I reuse the cedar plank?

You can reuse the cedar plank a few times, but it will eventually start to fall apart. Make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use and store it in a dry place.

CONCLUSION:

This Cedar Plank Salmon brings me so much joy because it’s a simple, delicious, and impressive dish that everyone loves. Plus, the smoky aroma that fills my kitchen while it’s grilling is pure bliss! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for these Lemon Raspberry Cookies.

My Cedar Plank Salmon Flavor Secrets:

1. Don’t skip the soaking! Soaking the cedar plank is essential for preventing it from burning and infusing the salmon with moisture.
2. Get creative with seasonings! Feel free to experiment with different spice rubs and herbs to find your favorite flavor combination.
3. Use a meat thermometer! This is the best way to ensure that your salmon is cooked perfectly every time.

Here are a few delicious Cedar Plank Salmon variations I’ve tested:

• Honey-Garlic Cedar Plank Salmon: Use a honey-garlic marinade instead of the spice rub. Perfect for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Spicy Cedar Plank Salmon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a little heat. Great for those who like a kick!
• Teriyaki Cedar Plank Salmon: Brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. A delicious Asian-inspired twist! If you are curious on the basics of How to grill Salmon on a cedar plank and for more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out these Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious Cedar Plank Salmon at home! Trust your taste buds, get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy grilling!

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Cedar Plank Salmon

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Infuse your salmon with smoky cedar flavor by grilling it on a cedar plank. This easy method creates a moist and delicious main course perfect for summer evenings.

• Author: Nyla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cedar plank (untreated), soaked in water for at least 2 hours
• 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Weigh it down to keep it submerged.
2. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
3. While the grill is preheating, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill grates.
6. Place the salmon fillet on top of the cedar plank.
7. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet and your grill.
8. Carefully remove the cedar plank with the salmon from the grill. Be cautious, as the plank may be hot.
9. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill, if desired.
10. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an enhanced smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill’s smoker box or in a foil packet. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.