Cedar Plank Salmon: A Recipe for Delicious, Smoky Perfection
Cedar plank salmon is a fantastic way to elevate a simple salmon fillet into a restaurant-quality meal. The cedar plank imparts a subtle smoky flavor that complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. This recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful salmon every time. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords throughout the text naturally.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 (1-1.5 lb) salmon fillet, skin on or off - Choose a high-quality fillet for the best results. Skin-on adds extra flavor and texture but can be tricky for beginners.
- 1 cedar plank, soaked - Soaking is crucial to prevent the plank from catching fire. Soak it in water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil - Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Freshly squeezed is always best.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Adds a savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Freshly ground is preferred.
- Optional additions: Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary; a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Preparing the Salmon and Plank:
Soaking the Plank:
This step is vital. Soaking the cedar plank for at least two hours prevents it from burning on the grill or in the oven. Overnight soaking is even better.
Preparing the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice sear. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Generously rub this mixture all over the salmon fillet. If using herbs or maple syrup, add them now.
Cooking the Cedar Plank Salmon:
There are two main methods for cooking cedar plank salmon: grilling and oven baking.
Grilling Cedar Plank Salmon:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill. Let it heat up for a few minutes.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillet on top of the plank.
- Grill for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet and the heat of your grill. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the plank from the grill using tongs and serve immediately.
Oven Baking Cedar Plank Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the soaked cedar plank on a baking sheet.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillet on top of the plank.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Again, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
Cedar plank salmon is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple salad
- Rice or quinoa
- Lemon wedges
Tips for Success:
- Don't skip the soaking step! A dry plank will burn.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection.
- Don't overcrowd the grill or baking sheet. This will affect cooking time and evenness.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, smoky cedar plank salmon! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
