Smoky Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe

Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe Analysis and Tips

Introduction

The Cedar Plank Salmon recipe holds deep historical roots with Pacific Coast Indigenous tribes, who traditionally cooked and smoked fish and seafood on wooden boards near open fires. This modern adaptation utilizes your barbecue to recreate those smoky, flavorful results that will have you returning to the lumberyard and fish market regularly.

Recipe Overview

• Name: Cedar Plank Salmon
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Canadian Cuisine
• Keywords: Very Low Carbs, High Protein, High In… (specific benefits not detailed)
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: 344.5
• Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (from 10 reviews)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

• Salmon Fillets: 4 pieces
• Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
• Shallots: 4, chopped
• Red Onions: 1, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh Dill: A few sprigs
• Lemon: 1, juiced
• Black Peppercorns: Crushed, to taste
• Coarse Salt: To sprinkle

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 344.5
• Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.2g
• Cholesterol: 77.4mg
• Sodium: 128mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 0.4g
• Protein: 34.9g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cedar Plank:

   • Soak a construction-grade cedar plank (10 inches long, 6-8 inches wide, 3/4 inch thick) in water for at least 24 hours before cooking. Ensure it stays submerged by weighing it down with cans or heavy objects.

2. Preheat the Grill:

   • Start your barbecue and heat it to high.

3. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle each with chopped shallots. Top with a few sprigs of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Finish with crushed black peppercorns.

4. Prepare the Cedar Plank on the BBQ:

   • Place the soaked cedar plank on the hot barbecue and sprinkle it lightly with coarse salt. Close the cover for a couple of minutes or until the top of the plank is nearly dry.

5. Cooking Process:

   • Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to control any flare-ups. Once the plank is ready, place the prepared salmon fillets on top.

6. Adjust Heat:

   • If your BBQ has two burners, turn off the burner directly beneath the plank. If not, adjust the heat to the lowest setting.

7. Cook the Salmon:

   • Close the barbecue cover and cook the salmon for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is nearly cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.

8. Final Touch:

   • Before serving, squeeze additional lemon juice over the cooked salmon fillets for added flavor.

9. Disposal of Cedar Plank:

   • Remember, the cedar plank can only be used once. Ensure it has stopped smoking and is completely extinguished before disposing of it.

Cooking Tips and Notes

• Choosing Cedar Planks: Opt for construction-grade cedar planks that are untreated and specifically sold for cooking purposes. These planks impart a distinct smoky flavor to the salmon.

• Soaking Time: Soak the cedar plank for a minimum of 24 hours to prevent it from catching fire on the grill and to enhance the smoky aroma.

• Grill Management: Control the heat by adjusting the burners of your barbecue to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning of the plank or salmon.

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional herbs or spices such as garlic, thyme, or paprika to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

• Safety Precautions: Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage any flames that may arise from the cedar plank during cooking. Ensure the plank is thoroughly extinguished before disposal.

Conclusion

The Cedar Plank Salmon recipe not only honors traditional cooking methods but also provides a quick and delicious way to prepare salmon with a unique smoky flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the blend of natural wood aroma and succulent salmon, and savor each bite with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.