Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cedar-Smoky Herb-Grilled Salmon?
It is a Northwest-inspired dish where salmon is grilled on a cedar plank with a blend of savory and sweet spices like paprika, ginger, and cardamom.
How long should I soak the cedar grilling plank?
The cedar plank should be soaked in water for at least one hour before grilling.
Why is it necessary to soak the cedar plank?
Soaking the plank prevents it from catching fire on the grill and allows it to release aromatic smoke.
What grill temperature is recommended?
The grill should be preheated to medium temperature.
Should I use direct or indirect heat?
The grill should be prepared for indirect heat.
What ingredients make up the spice rub?
The rub consists of paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, pepper, ginger, cardamom, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
How much paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of paprika.
Is there any sweetener in the rub?
Yes, it contains 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
What is the serving size for the salmon?
The recipe uses 4 salmon fillets, each weighing 6 ounces.
How should I prepare the salmon fillets before seasoning?
The salmon fillets should be patted dry with paper towels.
Where should I apply the spice mixture?
Evenly rub the spice mixture onto the top side of each salmon fillet.
How long do I heat the plank on the grill before adding fish?
Heat the plank on the grill for about 3-5 minutes with the lid closed until it begins to smoke.
Which side of the salmon should be placed on the plank?
Place the salmon skin side down onto the hot cedar plank.
How long does the salmon take to cook?
The salmon typically cooks for approximately 10 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 160 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
How much protein does this salmon dish provide?
Each serving provides 16.5g of protein.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne and ginger but is described as a sophisticated balance that won't overwhelm the palate with spice.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How much ground cardamom is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Does the recipe use ground cloves?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
What amount of ground ginger is included?
The rub includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much cumin is in the spice blend?
The blend contains 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is ground cinnamon used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included in the spice rub.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
It features a balance of cedar-smoky, sweet, and savory aromatic flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer cookout?
Yes, it is highlighted as being ideal for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients, it makes 4 servings.
Should the grill lid be open or closed while cooking?
The grill lid should be closed to trap the smoke and heat.