Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of cedar-planked salmon, a culinary gem inspired by a memorable meal in Seattle. This dish promises moist, tender fish infused with an aromatic marinade that elevates it to gourmet status.

Perfect for outdoor grilling, this salmon recipe offers an effortless way to impress your guests. The cedar planks not only impart a delightful smokiness but also create a beautiful presentation, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Pair this salmon with Asian-style rice and crisp asparagus for a balanced meal that delights the senses. Experience the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, transforming your dinner into a memorable feast.

Cedar Planked Salmon Ingredients

Experience the harmonious blend of flavors in this cedar-planked salmon, where each ingredient plays a vital role.

Cedar Planks: These untreated wooden boards infuse a rich, smoky aroma into the salmon, enhancing its natural flavor and providing a unique grilling experience.

Soy Sauce: This savory staple brings depth and umami, marinating the salmon to perfection while tenderizing the fish for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Vegetable Oil: A key player in the marinade, vegetable oil helps to lock in moisture, ensuring the salmon remains succulent and rich throughout the cooking process.

Rice Vinegar: Adding a touch of brightness, rice vinegar balances the richness of the salmon and complements the savory notes, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients elevate the dish with their bold, zesty flavors, introducing warmth and complexity that perfectly harmonize with the salmon.

Green Onions: Offering a fresh, crisp element, green onions provide a vibrant contrast and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall experience of this delicious meal.

Cedar Planked Salmon: A Flavorful Culinary Experience

This cedar-planked salmon is not only a delectable dish that captures the essence of a memorable meal in Seattle, but it also offers a delightful way to bring smoky, moist flavors to your table. With its enticing aroma and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress any guest. Below, you’ll find helpful tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to elevate your cooking experience with this recipe.

Recipe Tips

1. Soaking the Cedar Planks: For the best flavor, soak your cedar planks for at least one hour before grilling. This allows the wood to absorb moisture, preventing it from burning too quickly and enhancing the smoky flavor it imparts to the salmon. If you have the time, consider soaking the planks for several hours or even overnight for a more intense flavor.
2. Marinating Time: While a minimum of 15 minutes is essential for flavor absorption, allowing the salmon to marinate for up to one hour in the refrigerator will deepen the taste. The longer marination helps the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to penetrate the fish, resulting in a richer flavor profile. Just be careful not to marinate for too long, as the salt in the soy sauce can make the salmon overly salty.
3. Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium heat before placing the cedar planks on it. This ensures that the planks heat evenly and start to smoke properly, creating the ideal cooking environment for your salmon. Keep the grill lid closed during cooking to maintain the temperature and enhance the smokiness, but check periodically to avoid overcooking.

What to Serve with Cedar Planked Salmon

1. Asian-Style Rice: A fragrant bowl of Asian-style rice complements the smoky flavor of the salmon beautifully. You can enhance the rice with a splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to echo the flavors of the marinade, making it a perfect side dish.
2. Grilled Asparagus: Bright, grilled asparagus adds a crunchy, fresh element to your meal. Drizzle it with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before grilling, allowing it to become tender and charred, which pairs perfectly with the richness of the salmon.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil can balance the rich flavors of the salmon. Add sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a hint of chili for a zesty kick that enhances the overall dining experience.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of fish?
   Yes, you can use other firm fish like trout or halibut. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different fish may require more or less grilling time.
2. What if I don’t have cedar planks?
   If cedar planks aren’t available, you can grill the salmon directly on the grill grates. Just be sure to use a grilling basket or foil to prevent sticking.
3. How do I know when the salmon is done?
   Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check the fish for a translucent appearance in the center, which should change to a more opaque color when done.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   While the salmon is best cooked fresh, you can marinate it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one hour. Just be sure to grill it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy crafting this cedar-planked salmon dish, and let its delightful flavors transform your dining experience!

Cedar Planked Salmon

This recipe for cedar-planked salmon presents a delightful dish that boasts moistness and a distinct smoky flavor. Inspired by a memorable experience in Seattle, it is a culinary gem best enjoyed with Asian-style rice and asparagus.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Fishe

Cuisine American

Servings 7

Ingredients

  

• 2 2-pound salmon fillets, skin removed
• 3 untreated cedar planks 12 inches each
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions

 

• Begin by assembling all necessary ingredients.
• Submerge the cedar planks in warm water for a minimum of one hour, allowing for a longer soak if time permits.
• In a shallow dish, combine the soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chopped green onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic, stirring until well blended.
• Place the salmon fillets into the soy mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to one hour for deeper flavor.
• Preheat your outdoor grill to a medium setting. Position the soaked cedar planks on the grill grate, allowing them to heat until they begin to smoke and emit a gentle crackling sound.
• Carefully remove the salmon from the marinade, discarding any remaining liquid, and place the fillets on the heated cedar planks.
• Close the grill lid and cook the salmon until it flakes easily when tested with a fork, which typically takes around 20 minutes. Note that the salmon will continue to cook slightly after being taken off the grill.

Notes

Editor’s Note: The nutritional information for this recipe reflects the total amount of ingredients used in the marinade. The actual quantity consumed will vary based on individual servings.

Keyword Cedar Planked Salmon