Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon: A Perfectly Simple Recipe for Beginner Cooks

Grilled salmon is a classic dish that brings together the richness of fish with the smoky flavors of the grill. For beginners, preparing salmon may seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can master this technique and impress your friends and family. One of the best ways to grill salmon is by using cedar planks, which infuse the fish with a delicate woodsy flavor that perfectly complements its natural richness.

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If you’ve ever had cedar-planked salmon at a restaurant, you might have wondered how to recreate that delicious smoky flavor at home. The good news is, with a little prep time and the right ingredients, you can do it easily! In this article, we’ll walk through each step of preparing grilled cedar plank salmon, from marinating the fish to grilling it to perfection. This recipe is ideal for beginners because it’s easy to follow, requires minimal cooking techniques, and delivers mouthwatering results.

Let’s dive into this flavorful journey that celebrates the beautiful connection between the land and sea!

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin-on
• 2 cedar planks (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional), for garnish

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Salmon Substitute: If you prefer a different fish, trout or arctic char can work well in place of salmon. Both have similar textures and flavors.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme is a fantastic choice for its earthy flavor, but rosemary or dill can also complement the salmon beautifully.
• Olive Oil Substitute: For a different twist, you could use avocado oil, which also holds up well on the grill.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is essential for brightness, but lime can be used if you’re looking for a slightly different citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these beginner-friendly steps to create a delicious cedar plank salmon that’s full of flavor.

Step 1: Marinate the Salmon

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure the fish is evenly coated.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse the fish while also keeping it moist during grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cedar Planks

1. Soak the cedar planks in water for at least 1 hour before grilling. Soaking helps prevent the wood from burning on the grill and ensures that it releases its woodsy flavor as it heats up.
2. You can find cedar planks in most grocery stores, often in the grilling section. Make sure they are untreated and safe for grilling.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down to a medium heat before starting. A gas grill is also ideal for this recipe, as it provides consistent, even heat.

Step 4: Grill the Cedar Planks

1. Place the soaked cedar planks on the grill and close the lid. Let them heat up for a couple of minutes. You’ll hear the wood begin to sizzle, which is a sign it’s ready to cook the salmon.

Step 5: Place the Salmon on the Planks

1. Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets, skin-side down, onto the hot cedar planks. The skin will help the fillet stay intact as it grills, and it adds a nice texture.
2. Close the grill lid to trap the heat and create a smoky environment for the salmon to cook.

Step 6: Grill the Salmon

1. Grill the salmon for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
2. Make sure to check the fish toward the end of the cooking time. If it starts to flake apart easily, it’s ready to be removed.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once the salmon is cooked through, carefully remove the cedar planks from the grill. Use tongs or a spatula to transfer the salmon to a serving platter.
2. Garnish the fish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Beginner Tips and Notes

What to Do if the Salmon Is Overcooked:

• If you accidentally overcook the salmon, don’t worry! The fish will still be flavorful, though it might be a little dry. You can counteract this by serving it with a flavorful sauce or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added moisture.

How to Tell if the Salmon Is Cooked Through:

• You can easily tell if your salmon is ready when it flakes apart with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and no longer translucent. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Preventing Salmon from Sticking to the Cedar Plank:

• To avoid the salmon sticking to the plank, ensure you’re using skin-on fillets. The skin acts as a protective barrier between the fish and the plank, helping it cook evenly without sticking.
• If you prefer skinless fillets, you can lightly oil the cedar plank before placing the fish on it.

Marinating the Salmon:

• For even more flavor, marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours. Just be mindful not to over-marinate the fish, as the acidity of the lemon can start to break down the texture if left too long.

Grilling with Charcoal vs. Gas:

• Charcoal grills offer a smoky flavor that’s tough to replicate on a gas grill. However, if you’re using a gas grill, you can add a small cedar wood chip box or a handful of soaked wood chips directly onto the grill’s heat source to enhance the smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While the grilled cedar plank salmon is delicious on its own, there are plenty of side dishes that can elevate your meal:

Grilled Vegetables:

• Serve the salmon alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smoky flavors from the grill complement the salmon beautifully.
• You can also toss some olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs on the vegetables before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.

Light Salad:

• A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the salmon.
• Try adding some sliced cucumber, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Quinoa or Rice:

• Serve your cedar plank salmon over a bed of quinoa or wild rice. Both grains are healthy options and provide a satisfying, hearty base for the fish.

Lemon Herb Sauce:

• For an extra burst of flavor, serve the salmon with a lemon herb sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs. This adds creaminess and tang, balancing out the smokiness of the cedar.

Wine Pairing:

• A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with salmon. These wines complement the fish’s delicate flavor without overpowering it.

Conclusion: Try It Yourself!

Grilled cedar plank salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that every beginner cook can master. It’s an opportunity to learn new grilling techniques and impress your guests with a dish that’s both flavorful and beautiful. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Don’t be intimidated by the process! As you follow the steps and watch the salmon cook to perfection, you’ll gain confidence in your grilling skills. The flavors of the cedar wood, fresh herbs, and juicy salmon will make you feel like a professional chef.

Now it’s time to fire up the grill, try this recipe, and share your experience with others. I’d love to hear how your cedar plank salmon turned out! Leave a comment below and let us know what worked for you or any tips you have for fellow cooks.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious taste of the land meeting the sea!