Maple-Glazed BBQ Cedar Plank Salmon
Savor the delightful flavors of Maple-Glazed BBQ Cedar Plank Salmon, a dish that brings together the smoky essence of cedar, the sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the freshness of herbs. This Canadian-inspired recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. The salmon is not only tender and flaky but also infused with aromatic herbs and citrus, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Serve it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable culinary experience that showcases the rich taste of the great outdoors.
6
Servings
80
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Salmon
1-2 (Whole fish or fillets, skin on preferred)
Cedar Plank
1 (Soaked overnight)
Fresh Dill
to taste (Diced)
Fresh Green Onion
to taste (Diced)
Coarse Ground Black Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Coarse Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Whole Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Real Maple Syrup
to taste (For drizzling)
Pure Virgin Olive Oil
to taste (For rubbing)
Instructions
1
Soak the cedar plank in water overnight to prevent it from burning on the grill.
2
Preheat the BBQ grill to high heat.
3
Rub the salmon fillets generously with pure virgin olive oil for added moisture and flavor.
4
Sprinkle fresh diced dill and green onion evenly over the salmon, followed by a dash of coarse ground black pepper and salt.
5
Juice the whole lemon and drizzle the juice over the salmon, enhancing its natural flavors.
6
Place the soaked cedar plank on the hot BBQ grill for approximately 3 minutes, until it appears dry and slightly charred.
7
Carefully place the salmon fillets skin side down onto the heated cedar plank.
8
Reduce the BBQ heat to low and drizzle real maple syrup generously over the salmon, ensuring it is well-coated.
9
Cook the salmon on low for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until it flakes easily with a fork.
10
Once cooked, gently slide the salmon fillets off the cedar plank onto the BBQ grill, skin side down.
11
Increase the BBQ heat back to high and add a drizzle of maple syrup over the salmon fillets. Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes to finish caramelizing the glaze.
12
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this deliciously sweet and smoky dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
3.3g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I soak the cedar plank?
You should soak the cedar plank in water overnight to ensure it is fully saturated and won't burn on the grill.
Why is the cedar plank soaked before grilling?
Soaking the plank prevents it from catching fire and helps create the steam necessary to infuse the salmon with a smoky cedar flavor.
What is the first step for preparing the grill?
Preheat your BBQ grill to high heat before placing the plank or salmon on it.
Should the salmon skin be on or off?
Skin-on salmon is preferred for this recipe as it helps the fillets stay together during the grilling process.
How do I prepare the salmon fillets before grilling?
Rub the fillets generously with pure virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with fresh diced dill, green onion, coarse salt, and black pepper.
What role does lemon play in this recipe?
Drizzling the juice of a whole lemon over the salmon enhances its natural flavors and provides a bright citrus contrast to the maple syrup.
How long do I pre-char the cedar plank?
Place the soaked plank on the hot grill for about 3 minutes until it looks dry and slightly charred before adding the fish.
When do I add the maple syrup?
Drizzle real maple syrup over the salmon once the BBQ heat has been reduced to low and the fish is on the plank.
At what temperature should the salmon cook?
After the initial high-heat plank charring, the salmon should cook on low heat to ensure it stays tender.
How long does it take for the salmon to cook on the plank?
It typically takes 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets.
How can I tell if the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Why is the salmon moved directly onto the grill at the end?
Sliding the fillets off the plank and onto the grill helps finish the caramelization of the maple glaze.
What happens in the final 2 minutes of cooking?
You increase the heat to high, add another drizzle of maple syrup, and cover the grill to finish the glaze.
Should the salmon rest after cooking?
Yes, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
What type of maple syrup is recommended?
The recipe calls for real, pure maple syrup for the best flavor and caramelization.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh dill and green onion provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is this a low-calorie dish?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 7.5 grams of protein.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include salmon, bbq, cedar plank, maple syrup, canadian, and healthy.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Pure virgin olive oil is recommended for rubbing the salmon fillets.
Does this recipe require a specific type of salt?
Coarse salt is recommended to provide a better texture and seasoning profile.
Can I cook this salmon indoors?
While intended for a BBQ grill to get the smoky flavor, you can technically use a plank in an oven, though smoke results will differ.
Is the cedar plank reusable?
Generally, cedar planks are intended for single use as they become charred and brittle after grilling.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
You can, but it will change the flavor profile from the traditional Canadian maple-cedar taste.
What side dishes go well with this salmon?
It pairs well with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or wild rice.
Is the salmon cooked skin-side down?
Yes, place the salmon skin-side down on the plank and later on the grill to protect the meat.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The sugar content comes naturally from the real maple syrup used in the glaze.
What is the preparation time for the ingredients?
Preparation is quick, but you must account for the overnight soaking of the cedar plank.
What makes this recipe 'Canadian-inspired'?
The combination of fresh salmon, cedar wood, and pure maple syrup are iconic staples of Canadian cuisine.