Grilled Cedar-Planked Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Fresh Dill
Embrace the rich culinary legacy of the Pacific Coast with this exquisite Cedar-Planked Salmon recipe. Originally inspired by indigenous cooking techniques, where fish and seafood were smoked tied to wooden boards near an open flame, this modern version transforms your barbecue into a smoky flavor haven. The cedar wood infuses the salmon with a subtle, aromatic essence, while the caramelized shallots, fresh dill, and lemon enhance its natural flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner, each bite will transport you to the shores of the Pacific, making this dish a must-try for seafood lovers everywhere.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Atlantic salmon fillets
4 (about 6 ounces each, skin removed, and approximately 1 inch thick)
Roast garlic infused olive oil
4 tablespoons (for brushing)
Finely chopped shallots or red onions
4 tablespoons (for topping)
Fresh dill
to taste (for garnish)
Lemon
1 (cut in half, for juicing)
Coarsely crushed black peppercorns
to taste (for seasoning)
Coarsely crushed pink peppercorns
to taste (for seasoning)
Coarse salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking a 10-inch long, 6 to 8-inch wide construction-grade cedar plank (3/4-inch thick) in water for at least 24 hours.
2
To keep the wood submerged, weight it down with cans or another heavy object.
3
Preheat your barbecue to high heat.
4
Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them all over with roast garlic infused olive oil.
5
Evenly sprinkle each fillet with finely chopped shallots or red onions, and then top with fresh dill sprigs.
6
Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon and season each fillet with coarsely crushed black and pink peppercorns.
7
Place the soaked and drained cedar plank directly on the BBQ grill and sprinkle it lightly with coarse salt.
8
Close the lid and heat the plank for a couple of minutes, until it is nearly dry and starts to smoke, keeping a spray bottle of water nearby in case of flare-ups.
9
Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the cedar plank.
10
If your BBQ has two burners, turn off the burner directly beneath the plank. If it has only one burner, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
11
Close the lid and grill the salmon for about 10-12 minutes or until it is nearly cooked through. Avoid overcooking to ensure the salmon remains moist.
12
Just before serving, squeeze additional lemon juice over the top for brightness. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
13
Remember, the cedar plank is for single-use only. Allow it to extinguish completely before disposal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cedar-Planked Salmon?
It is a Pacific Coast cooking method where salmon is grilled on a water-soaked cedar board to infuse it with smoky, aromatic flavors based on indigenous techniques.
How long should I soak the cedar plank?
The cedar plank should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before you begin grilling.
Why is it necessary to soak the cedar plank?
Soaking prevents the wood from catching fire and ensures it releases steam to keep the fish moist while infusing it with wood flavor.
What size should the cedar plank be?
You should use a construction-grade cedar plank that is approximately 10 inches long, 6 to 8 inches wide, and 3/4-inch thick.
How do I keep the cedar plank submerged while soaking?
To keep the wood completely submerged in water, you can weight it down with cans or another heavy object.
What type of salmon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four fresh Atlantic salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each and approximately 1 inch thick.
Should I leave the skin on the salmon fillets?
No, the recipe specifies that the skin should be removed from the salmon fillets before preparation.
What oil is used to brush the salmon?
Roast garlic infused olive oil is used to rub the salmon fillets all over before adding other seasonings.
Can I use red onions instead of shallots?
Yes, you can use either 4 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots or red onions for the topping.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a combination of coarsely crushed black peppercorns and pink peppercorns.
How do I prepare the cedar plank just before cooking?
Place the soaked and drained plank directly on the grill, sprinkle it lightly with coarse salt, and heat it until it starts to smoke.
How do I prevent flare-ups while grilling?
Keep a spray bottle of water nearby while heating the plank and grilling to extinguish any potential flare-ups.
What temperature should the BBQ be set to?
Initially, you should preheat your barbecue to high heat before placing the plank on the grill.
How do I set the burners for a two-burner BBQ?
Once the salmon is on the plank, turn off the burner directly beneath the plank to utilize indirect heat.
How do I cook this on a single-burner BBQ?
If your BBQ has only one burner, reduce the heat to the lowest setting once the salmon is placed on the grill.
How long does it take to grill the salmon?
The salmon usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes to grill, or until it is nearly cooked through.
How do I ensure the salmon stays moist?
Avoid overcooking the fish; pull it off the grill when it is nearly cooked through to maintain its natural moisture.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon before grilling and again just before serving for extra brightness.
Can I reuse the cedar plank?
No, the cedar plank is intended for single-use only and should be disposed of after cooking.
How should I dispose of the cedar plank safely?
Allow the cedar plank to extinguish completely before throwing it away to prevent fire hazards.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Fresh dill sprigs are used as a topping and garnish to enhance the salmon's flavor.
What is the origin of this cooking technique?
This method is inspired by indigenous cooking techniques from the Pacific Coast where seafood was smoked near open flames.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of salt is recommended?
Coarse salt is recommended for both seasoning the salmon and sprinkling on the cedar plank.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner.
What flavor does the cedar wood provide?
The cedar wood infuses the salmon with a subtle, aromatic essence and smoky flavor.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to begin soaking the cedar plank in water for at least 24 hours.
How thick should the salmon fillets be?
The salmon fillets should be approximately 1 inch thick.
What happens to the plank before you add the fish?
The plank is heated with the lid closed for a couple of minutes until it is nearly dry and starts to smoke.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Canadian cuisine.