Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Gourmet Spice Rub
Elevate your grilling game with this exquisite Cedar Planked Salmon recipe that marries traditional cooking methods with bold flavors. Cooking salmon on a cedar plank infuses the fish with a delightful smoky aroma while keeping it moist and tender. This recipe features an aromatic spice rub made with brown sugar, paprika, and cumin, providing a beautiful balance of sweetness and warmth that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon. Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy dinner, serve this dish directly on the plank or elegantly plated with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cedar plank
1 (approx. 8-inch x 12-inch, soaked)
Salmon fillets
2 lbs (with skin)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for coating)
Brown sugar
3 tablespoons (for spice rub)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (for spice rub)
Salt
1 tablespoon (for spice rub)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon (for spice rub)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for spice rub)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the cedar plank in a tub of cold water for at least 1 hour (up to 12 hours) to prevent it from catching fire during grilling.
2
While the plank is soaking, prepare the salmon by scoring the top side in about 2-inch diagonal strips, making sure not to cut through the skin.
3
Gently rub the olive oil into the salmon fillets, making sure to coat evenly.
4
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Mix well to create your spice rub.
5
Generously rub the spice mixture into the scored slits of the salmon, ensuring that the flavors penetrate the fish.
6
Allow the salmon to marinate at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
7
Once the plank has soaked, place the salmon fillets directly on the cedar plank.
8
Preheat your barbecue grill to a medium-high heat, and place the plank with the salmon on the grill rack.
9
Cover the grill and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cover during the last 5 minutes of cooking to achieve a slightly chard top.
10
Avoid flipping the fish during cooking, as it can fall apart; instead, present the dish beautifully on the plank or transfer the salmon to a serving platter using a wide lifter.
11
For an attractive presentation, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of cooking salmon on a cedar plank?
Cooking on a cedar plank infuses the fish with a delightful smoky aroma while keeping the meat moist and tender.
How long should I soak the cedar plank?
The cedar plank should be soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours to prevent it from catching fire.
What temperature water should I use to soak the plank?
Use cold water for soaking the cedar plank.
What size cedar plank is needed for this recipe?
An approximately 8-inch by 12-inch cedar plank is recommended.
Why should I score the salmon fillets?
Scoring the top side of the salmon in diagonal strips allows the spice rub flavors to penetrate deeper into the fish.
How deep should I cut when scoring the salmon?
Make diagonal cuts about 2 inches apart, making sure not to cut through the skin.
What ingredients are in the gourmet spice rub?
The rub consists of brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin.
Why is olive oil used in this recipe?
Olive oil is rubbed onto the fillets to coat them evenly and help the spice rub adhere to the fish.
How long should the salmon marinate?
Allow the salmon to marinate at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes to enhance the flavor profile.
What grill temperature is required?
Preheat your barbecue grill to a medium-high heat.
How long does the salmon need to cook on the grill?
The salmon typically takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook through.
Should I flip the salmon while grilling?
No, do not flip the fish during cooking as it is delicate and can fall apart.
How do I know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Why should I remove the grill cover during the last 5 minutes?
Removing the cover at the end of the cooking time helps achieve a slightly charred top.
Can I serve the salmon directly on the cedar plank?
Yes, serving directly on the plank makes for a stunning and rustic presentation.
How should I transfer the salmon if not serving on the plank?
Use a wide lifter to carefully transfer the salmon to a serving platter.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Fresh herbs are recommended for an attractive and flavorful presentation.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of salmon fillets with the skin still on.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is specifically designed for grilling and is perfect for summer barbecues.
Does the spice rub provide a sweet or spicy flavor?
The rub provides a balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and warmth from the cumin and paprika.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a meal that takes less than 60 minutes of active time.
What happens if I don't soak the cedar plank?
If not soaked, the dry wood will likely catch fire on the grill, burning the fish.
Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 20 minutes?
The recipe suggests 10 to 20 minutes at room temperature for the best results.
Is the skin removed before or after cooking?
The salmon is cooked with the skin on to help it hold together on the plank.
How much salt is used in the spice rub?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt for the spice rub mixture.
How much cumin is included in the rub?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What role does paprika play in the spice rub?
Paprika adds color and a mild, smoky warmth to the spice mixture.
Can I use this recipe for indoor cooking?
This specific recipe is designed for a barbecue grill to utilize the cedar plank smoke.
Is this considered a healthy dinner option?
Yes, salmon is a nutritious protein, making this a great choice for a healthy dinner.