Herbed Cedar-Planked Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your grilling game with this Herbed Cedar-Planked Salmon, a dish that combines the rich, smoky flavor of cedar with the vibrant taste of fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for summer cookouts or intimate dinners, this recipe is simple yet impressive. I discovered the wonderful substitution of basil for parsley, giving this dish a fresh twist. With salmon fillets grilled to flaky perfection and served over a bed of fragrant basmati or brown rice, this meal is sure to leave your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy with a side salad and freshly baked bread for a complete dining experience that delights the senses.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cedar plank
1 (untreated, 14x7x1 inch)
sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing
1/2 cup
fresh basil
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
sun-dried tomato
1/4 cup (finely chopped, not oil packed)
oil
1 tablespoon
salmon fillets
2 lb (cut 1 inch thick)
cooked basmati rice or brown rice
2 cups
basil leaves
to garnish
Instructions
1
1. Start by soaking the untreated cedar plank in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, ensuring it is weighted down to keep it submerged.
2
2. Preheat your grill to a medium heat, around 350°F (175°C).
3
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, finely chopped fresh basil, and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside half of this mixture for serving later.
4
4. Take the soaked cedar plank and brush the top generously with oil to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets on the plank, skin side down.
5
5. Carefully place the plank on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill the salmon for about 10 minutes.
6
6. After 10 minutes, brush the salmon with the dressing mixture. Continue to grill for an additional 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the cedar plank, discarding the skin. Plate the salmon on a serving of cooked basmati or brown rice.
8
8. To finish, spoon some of the reserved dressing over the salmon, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve while warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Cedar-Planked Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
It is a grilled salmon dish cooked on a cedar plank that features a smoky flavor combined with fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
How long should I soak the cedar plank?
The cedar plank should be soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Why is it important to soak the cedar plank?
Soaking ensures the plank doesn't catch fire on the grill and produces the necessary steam to flavor the fish.
What temperature should I preheat the grill to?
Preheat your grill to a medium heat, approximately 350°F (175°C).
What kind of cedar plank is required?
You should use an untreated cedar plank, ideally measuring 14x7x1 inches.
What are the ingredients for the salmon dressing?
The dressing is made from sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, finely chopped fresh basil, and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Should I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
The recipe recommends using sun-dried tomatoes that are not oil-packed.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the plank?
Brush the top of the soaked cedar plank generously with oil before placing the salmon on it.
Do I cook the salmon with the skin on?
Yes, place the salmon fillets on the plank skin side down.
How long does the salmon need to grill in total?
The total grilling time is approximately 20 minutes.
When should I apply the dressing to the salmon?
Apply the dressing mixture after the salmon has grilled for the first 10 minutes.
How can I tell if the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
What should I do with the salmon skin after cooking?
The skin should be discarded after removing the salmon from the cedar plank.
What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
The recipe suggests serving the salmon over cooked basmati or brown rice.
Can I substitute basil with another herb?
While basil is recommended for a fresh twist, parsley is a common substitution.
How much salmon do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 pounds of salmon fillets, cut 1 inch thick.
Should the cedar plank be weighted down while soaking?
Yes, it should be weighted down to ensure it remains completely submerged in the water.
Do I need to keep the grill lid closed?
Yes, close the lid after placing the plank on the grill to trap the heat and smoke.
What garnish is used for this salmon dish?
The dish is garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is specifically designed for grilling and outdoor cookouts.
What additional sides are recommended?
A side salad and freshly baked bread complement the meal well.
How much oil is used for the plank?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of oil for brushing the plank.
How much vinaigrette is needed for the mixture?
Use 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing.
Should the basil be chopped finely?
Yes, both the fresh basil and the sun-dried tomatoes should be finely chopped.
Can I reuse the cedar plank for another meal?
Generally, cedar planks are intended for single use as they become charred during the grilling process.
What is the thickness of the salmon fillets?
The fillets should be approximately 1 inch thick.
How much rice should I prepare?
The recipe suggests preparing 2 cups of cooked basmati or brown rice.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a smoky cedar flavor balanced by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of basil.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is simple yet impressive.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
No, it only requires 8 main ingredients, making it a relatively simple shopping list.