Imagine a salmon dish so incredibly flavorful and tender that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Grilled Cedar Planked Salmon is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that infuses your fish with smoky, woodsy aromatics that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. By using a traditional cedar plank grilling technique, you'll elevate a simple salmon fillet into a restaurant-quality masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cedar plank
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour. This will help prevent the wood from burning and will impart a subtle flavor to the salmon.
- While the cedar plank is soaking, prepare the salmon fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels and place them on a clean cutting board.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Brush the olive oil mixture generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. If using fresh herbs, you can sprinkle them over the fillets for added flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and glowing.
- Remove the cedar plank from the water and shake off any excess liquid. Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Heat the plank for about 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to crackle and smoke.
- Once the cedar plank is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets on the plank, skin side down. Close the grill lid.
- Grill the salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid opening the grill lid too often, as this will reduce the temperature and cooking efficiency.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using tongs. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the grilled salmon directly from the cedar plank for a rustic presentation. Enjoy your grilled cedar planked salmon with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- • Always soak your cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and enhance flavor infusion • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with consistent thickness for even cooking • Pat salmon completely dry before applying oil to ensure perfect seasoning adherence • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (145°F) for perfectly cooked fish • Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute • Experiment with different herb combinations like dill, thyme, or rosemary for unique flavor profiles • For best results, use a medium-high grill temperature and avoid opening the lid too frequently
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 294kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
