Sweet And Zesty Cedar Plank Salmon
If you like tangy and sweet recipes, this is a great way to use one with your salmon! This recipe will serve about six people, takes about 30 minutes of prep and cooking and about 2 hours of inactive cooking time.
Youll need:
- A grilling plank
How to Prepare:
Soak your planks for about 2 hours and pre-heat your grill to a medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix up a few tablespoons of mustard and honey, a pinch of rosemary and zest, and some salt and pepper to taste. Spread it out over your filets and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Grill it with your lid down for about 15 minutes and let it stand for another five before you serve it.
How To Grill Salmon On A Cedar Plank:
This cedar plank salmon recipe method is so simple. Just follow these important steps:
- Soak the plank for at least 30-minutes and up to 2 hours
- Pat the plank dry
- Season the fish with olive oil and place skin side down on the plank
- Season the top of the fish with your seasoning of choice. We use our own homemade Potlatch Seasoning
- Place the plank in the center of the hot grill and cover the grill
- You do not need to flip fish on a cedar plank
- Grill for about 20 minutes for a large piece of salmonand 12-15 for a smaller fillet. Aim for an internal temperature of about 135F
- Serve directly from the plank, if desired
Place salmon skin side down on plank and season
Do You Flip Fish On Cedar Plank
The answer is likely yes, if you have the proper tools. When it comes to flipping fish, there are a few things you need in order to do it safely and efficiently. First, make sure that you have a sturdy plank of cedar wood.
This will help keep your fish from falling or getting stuck while being flipped. Second, use a sharp knife to cut through the skin of the fish.
This will allow you to get a good view of the inside of their body. Finally, use some water or vinegar to clean any dirt or residue that may be on your plank before putting your fish back on the board.
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How To Store And Reheat
To store: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.To reheat from the fridge: Gently reheat in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes or in the microwave at 30-second intervals. You can also warm it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 275 degrees F, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. Take care not to overcook the salmon or it will become dry. To reheat from frozen: Thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight then reheat per any of the above methods.
Do You Wet The Cedar Plank Before Grilling
There are a few reasons why you might want to wet the cedar plank before grilling. First, if you are grilling on a wet surface, then the heat from the grill will cause the plank to warp and peel away from the grill.
This can create some dangerous BBQ-related injuries. Second, if you are using cedar with charcoal briquettes, then grilling over cedar will create a grill fire that can startle and start causing fires in other parts of your grill.
Finally, if you plan to use any wood juices or fats on your grill, then letting the plank soak in those juices or fats will help keep them from sticking to the plank and coming off during cooking.
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Start By Soaking Your Cedar Plank In Water Before Grilling
Soaking your cedar plank in water prevents the wood from going up in flames with your food along with it. You can do this by filling a large roasting pan with water, a couple inches deep, and submerging the plank.
The cedar plank will give the salmon a subtle, yet very flavorful smokey flavor. When using the cedar plank, you dont need a fancy glaze or a heavy tarter sauce to accompany the fish. It is simply perfect with just a few ingredients.
Sweet & Smoky Brown Sugar Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
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This cedar plank salmon recipe is one of the easiest salmon recipes Ive made! It gets its sweet and smoky flavor from a delicious grilled salmon rub made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper
This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Alaska Seafood all opinions and text are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
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How Long To Grill Salmon On Cedar Plank
Lay each of your salmon fillets skin side down on the oiled face of a soaked plank. Brush the fillets with olive oil and press the brown sugar salmon rub all over the top. Lay the cedar planks directly on the hot grill grates. Cover grill and cook over indirect medium-high heat for about 15 minutes.
Salmon cooks quickly, so check frequently to see if its cooked through and flakes easily as you get close to the 15-minute mark. If you prefer to use the internal temperature as your guide, salmon is cooked through when it reaches 145 degrees internally in the thickest part of the fish.
When its done, you can serve this flaky salmon right on the cedar plank or transfer it to a platter! A few lemon slices on the side are always a nice touch.
Cuisine:Category:
How To Make Cedar Plank Salmon:
Step 1Soak the planks. Several hours before grilling salmon, soak the cedar planks in cold water, making sure that they are fully submerged. Try to make sure they dont stick together in the water. Soak the planks for at least 3-4 hours.
Step 2Prepare planks. After the allotted time, remove planks from the water, and pat dry. Brush a little olive oil over the smooth side of the planks, and place on a baking sheet to take outside.
Step 3Prepare grill. Preheat outdoor grill to 450 500 degrees. We also like to include some wood chips in our BGE.
Step 4Prep the salmon. Place salmon on the planks in whatever direction works best, or cut your salmon to fit. Brush the salmon with a thin layer of olive oil.
Step 5Add spices. Mix spice rub together in a small bowl. Using your fingers, sprinkle the rub over the top of the salmon. Massage it in a bit with your hands.
Step 6Grill the salmon. When your grill has reached the correct temperature, place cedar planks on the grates and close lid. Check the salmon for doneness after about 10 minutes.
When it flakes easily with a fork, its done. You may need additional time depending on the thickness of your salmon and/or the heat of your grill.
Step 7Serve. Remove planks from your grill. Let salmon sit for about five minutes before serving.
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Where To Buy Cedar Planks
For your first attempt at cedar plank salmon on the grill, I recommend trying Weber Firespice Cedar Planks . Theyre easy to work with, affordable and big enough to hold a 1 pound fillet or other items you would like to grill.
I have also purchased them from Home Depot, but Ive seen other brands sold at major grocery stores. They come is various sizes, I like longer planks for large fillets or shorter ones for one to two smaller portions.
Benefits Of Grilling Salmon On A Cedar Plank
There is one benefit of planked salmon guaranteed to catch the ear of any backyard griller who dabbles in seafood: the salmon will not stick to the grates. While not a testament to the final meal, but the cooking process, the ability to grill fish and not worry about half of it clinging to the grates is definitely a selling point.
The salmon doesnt stick because it is grilled on the plank, which also doubles as a serving tray. The plank also provides a layer of flexibility. Unlike cooking fish directly on the grates where they must be removed when done, the plank extends the cook time allowing you an extra minute or two to get them off in case you are tied up with something else.
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How To Make Cedar Planked Salmon
Begin by making the marinade: combine the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper in a dish large enough to hold the salmon. Add the salmon to the dish and turn to coat evenly. Let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to grill.
Meanwhile, soak the cedar plank in a sink or bowl of water for at least one hour, otherwise, it will be more prone to catch fire on the grill. Then, pat dry and place the marinated salmon on the plank.
Grill over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is done to your liking.
Serve the salmon right off the plank with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Topping Grilled Fish With Flavored Butters:
Compound butter, also called flavored butter, is one of the easiest ways to upgrade any recipe. You can make a big batch of flavored compound butter and freeze it, so you always have some on hand. For today we made just enough garlic herb butter for this recipe and its listed in the recipe card below.
Or top your fish, chicken or vegetables with any variety of our compound butters for delicious results.
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Classic Cedar Plank Salmon
If youre looking for a quick salmon recipe, this one is a great option. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 20 to cook, and youre ready to eat within about half an hour from your start time, which is great for busy families!
Youll need:
- One-third cup of vegetable oil
- 5 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- About a third of a cup of soy sauce
- A dash of sesame oil
- Vegetables of your choice
- Two salmon filets that have the skin removed
How to Prepare:
Before you start, youll want to soak your planks for about an hour. It works best with warm water. Mix your sauces and vegetables in a dish as a marinade for the fish and place the fish into the mixture for at least 15 minutes. Prepare your outdoor grill at a medium heat and set the planks out on top of the grill. When you hear a little bit of crackling, the planks are ready to go! Remove the fish from your sauce and grill them on the planks for about 20 minutes. Keep in mind that the fish will continue to cook a little bit longer after you have taken it off the grill.
This recipe goes well with steamed rice!
Cedar Plank Salmon With Maple Ginger Glaze
by Lisa Bryandisclosure policyJump to RecipeJump to Video
Cedar plank salmon is a delicious way to grill salmon with enormous flavor. You get that lovely smoky flavor in the fish, the salmon stays extra moist and you dont have to worry about the salmon sticking to the grill and falling apart. Brush the salmon with my maple ginger glaze and youll soon have a new favorite salmon recipe.
Cedar plank salmon! Have you ever made it? If not, youll have to give it a try because its so darn easy and imbues a wonderful smokey flavor into the salmon.
If youve ever tried to grill salmon you know how difficult it can be. The salmon often sticks to the grill and as you try to flip or remove the salmon, it falls apart and you lose half of it between the grill grates. Thats not fun. But good news, the cedar plank solves that problem.
Because theres no direct heat charring the bottom of the salmon, the salmon also stays incredibly moist when cooked on a cedar plank.
But theres one more reason why I love cedar plank salmon, as a gluten-free gal. And its a biggie I dont have to worry about cross-contamination.
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How To Tell If Salmon Is Cooked:
- Temperature. The most accurate way to see if your salmon is done is with an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon. As previously discussed, the FDA states salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but I like mine at 130 degrees F.
- Appearance. As salmon cooks, it changes from bright pink to opaque pink. The outside of the salmon should be completely opaque but the center should still be a bit translucent, a moist coral color, but not raw. If the salmon is completely opaque all the way through, it wont be as juicy and tender.
- Texture. Cooked salmon will easily flake with a fork along the muscle fibers. Take care not to overcook your salmon because it will only remain buttery, juicy and tender as long as it isnt overcooked. It is better for salmon to be under-cooked than overcooked in my opinion.
Sweet & Spicy Brown Sugar Salmon Rub Recipe
Four simple ingredients make up the brown sugar salmon spice rub for this cedar plank salmon: brown sugar for sweetness , smoked paprika for a bit of smoky spice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simply stir them together well with a fork, and its ready to go.
You can even prepare this easy grilled salmon seasoning rub ahead of time to keep it on hand. Just store it in an airtight container. Then give it a shake before using to make sure the ingredients are well-mixed.
P.S. This salmon dry rub is also pretty tasty on grilled chicken thighs and/or pork chops, as well. Grill them right alongside your salmon for non-fish lovers!
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How To Prepare A Cedar Plank For Grilling:
- You MUST soak the cedar plank, prior to cooking, in water. Or try soaking in a combination of water and a little white wine, cider, or sake to give your plank an extra infused dash of flavor. This soak will ensure the plank does not catch fire.
- Plan your prep time to include soaking the plank for 30-minutes . The easiest way is to submerge it on a baking sheet and then weigh down the plank with a filled ramekin or bowl to keep it fully submerged
- Pat the plank dry before using for best results
Weigh down the plank while soaking
What Is The Best Type Of Salmon To Eat
Wild-caught Pacific salmon are typically considered to be the healthiest salmon to eat. Both are fine to eat, but you should understand the differences in how they are raised and decide what is best for you.
According to livestrong.com, wild salmon swim between freshwater and the open ocean, consuming a varied diet of zooplankton and smaller fish. Farmed salmon are raised in pens and fed fishmeal, fish oil, and other protein-rich foods. While both types are rich in omega-3 fatty acids , farmed varieties typically have larger amounts of unhealthy saturated fats over their counterparts.
We have just recently started to buy Pacific salmon instead of farmed versions, and are surprised to find that they are still very tasty. In fact, we are starting to prefer it.
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How Long To Grill Salmon On A Cedar Plank
The amount of time your salmon is on the grill depends on the size and thickness of your fillet. We have had the best results with a larger piece, that you cut later, but if you only have smaller fillets on hand just cook for a shorter amount of time. A full large piece of salmon will take about 20-minutes. Single pieces will take about 15-minutes.
How Long Does It Take To Grill Cedar Plank Salmon
Depending on the thickness of the filets, it does not take long. For a thinner filet, with a gas grill set on medium heat, cook time will be approximately 8-10 minutes. Thicker filets will likely need more time approximately 10-12 minutes or more.. For a salmon steak, cook time will be approximately 15 minutes.
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Why Should I Use Cedar Planks
Cedar planks can be used to prepare a number of grilled or baked dishes. They are especially good for salmon, which can start to fall apart if not placed onto the right kind of cooking tray. Cedar planks not only hold your fish up and keep the filet intact, but they also release a great flavor into the fish while it cooks, which gives it a leg up on other cooking methods.
Here are 10 great cedar plank salmon recipes that weve brought together just for you:
To Adjust The Heat On A Charcoal Grill
- If the coals are too hot, raise the grill rack, spread the coals apart, close the vents halfway, or remove some briquettes.
- If the coals are too cool, use long-handled tongs to tap ashes off the burning coals, move coals together, add briquettes, lower the rack, or open the vents.
To adjust the heat on a gas grill, turn the burners to higher or lower heat settings as needed.
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When Cooking Salmon On A Cedar Plank Do You Flip It
It seems like a question thats being asked more and more these days, as the fish is becoming increasingly popular.
A study published in The Journal of Agricultural Science suggests that flipping the fish can help improve their performance, and also helps to remove some of the bitterness from their flavor.
