Oven-Baked Cedar Planked Salmon with Sweet Maple Glaze & Creamy Mustard Mash
This delectable Oven-Baked Cedar Planked Salmon offers a unique twist on traditional grilling, showcasing the rich flavors imparted by untreated cedar planks in your oven. The salmon is first glazed with a luscious maple syrup blend infused with ginger, lemon, and soy, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and umami. Served alongside creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes spiced with coarse grain mustard, this dish is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasions, this recipe not only captivates your taste buds but also fills your home with the comforting aroma of cedar and maple. Make it a meal to remember with the full ensemble of flavors from the rich salmon and the creamy potatoes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
pure maple syrup
1 cup
gingerroot
2 tablespoons (finely grated)
fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons (minced)
untreated cedar plank
1
salmon fillets
2 1/2 lbs (with skin)
scallion
1 bunch
yukon gold potatoes
3 lbs
milk
1 1/2 cups
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons
coarse grain mustard
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Prepare the maple glaze by combining maple syrup, finely grated ginger, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper in a small heavy saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the mixture reduces to about 1 cup, approximately 30 minutes. Allow the glaze to cool, and if preparing in advance, it can be made up to 2 days ahead—just chill it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before using.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a cedar plank, lightly oil it and place it in the center of the oven to heat for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can lightly oil a shallow baking pan that's large enough to accommodate the salmon fillets.
3
Once the cedar plank is heated, arrange the scallion greens in a single layer on top to form a bed for the fish. This will infuse additional flavor into the salmon as it cooks.
4
In another small saucepan, heat half of the prepared maple glaze over low heat until warmed through; stir in the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice, and keep covered and warm off the heat.
5
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the scallion greens on the cedar plank or in the baking pan. Brush the salmon generously with the remaining maple glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Roast in the middle of the oven, baking for approximately 20 minutes if using a baking pan, or up to 35 minutes for the cedar plank, until the salmon is just cooked through.
7
While the salmon is baking, prepare the mustard mashed potatoes. In a large 5-quart kettle, cover the Yukon Gold potatoes with cold salted water by 2 inches. Simmer over medium heat until tender, roughly 35-45 minutes.
8
As the potatoes cook, heat the milk and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat until the butter is melted. Remove it from heat and keep the mixture warm, covered.
9
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and let them cool briefly until they can be handled. Peel the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
10
Add the coarse grain mustard, season with salt and pepper to taste, and pour in about 3/4 of the warm milk mixture. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency, adding more of the milk mixture as needed for creaminess.
11
If preparing ahead, the mashed potatoes can be cooled completely and stored in a buttered ovenproof dish, covered. Reheat to room temperature before serving, covered.
12
Once the salmon is done, cut it into 6 portions and serve each piece on a plate along with the scallion greens and a generous scoop of the creamy mustard mashed potatoes. Drizzle the warm maple sauce over the salmon for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Cedar Planked Salmon?
The dish features a sweet and umami maple glaze infused with ginger, lemon, and soy, complemented by the aromatic smokiness of cedar and the tangy creaminess of mustard mashed potatoes.
How long does it take to prepare the maple glaze?
The glaze needs to simmer over low heat for approximately 30 minutes until it reduces to about 1 cup.
Can I prepare the maple glaze in advance?
Yes, the maple glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead if kept covered in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before use.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the cedar plank for baking?
Lightly oil the cedar plank and place it in the center of the oven to heat for 15 minutes before adding the fish.
What can I use if I do not have a cedar plank?
You can use a lightly oiled shallow baking pan large enough to hold the salmon fillets as an alternative.
Why are scallions used in this recipe?
Scallion greens are arranged in a single layer on the plank or pan to form a bed for the fish, infusing it with additional flavor during cooking.
How should the salmon fillets be placed on the plank?
The salmon fillets should be placed skin-side down on top of the bed of scallion greens.
How long does the salmon take to cook in a baking pan?
When using a baking pan, the salmon typically takes about 20 minutes to cook through.
How long does the salmon take to cook on a cedar plank?
On a cedar plank, the salmon may take up to 35 minutes to bake until it is just cooked through.
What type of potatoes are recommended for the mash?
Yukon Gold potatoes are used for their naturally creamy texture and rich flavor.
How long do the Yukon Gold potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should be simmered in salted water for roughly 35 to 45 minutes until they are tender.
What kind of mustard is added to the mashed potatoes?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of coarse grain mustard to add texture and a tangy bite to the mash.
How do I prepare the milk and butter for the potatoes?
Heat the milk and unsalted butter together in a small saucepan over moderate heat until the butter is completely melted.
When should I peel the potatoes?
Drain the potatoes and let them cool briefly until they are safe to handle, then peel them before transferring to a mixing bowl.
How do I ensure the mashed potatoes are creamy?
Mash the potatoes while gradually adding the warm milk and butter mixture until you reach your desired smooth consistency.
Can the mustard mashed potatoes be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be cooled completely and stored in a buttered ovenproof dish, then reheated to room temperature before serving.
How many portions does this salmon recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be cut into 6 portions.
What is the purpose of reheating half the glaze at the end?
Half of the glaze is warmed and mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice to be used as a finishing sauce drizzled over the cooked salmon.
What ingredients are needed for the maple glaze?
You will need pure maple syrup, finely grated gingerroot, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Is the salmon skin removed before cooking?
No, the salmon fillets are cooked with the skin on, placed skin-side down.
How much salmon is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2.5 lbs of salmon fillets.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve each piece of salmon with the cooked scallion greens and a generous scoop of the creamy mustard mashed potatoes.
Does the cedar plank need to be untreated?
Yes, it is essential to use an untreated cedar plank to ensure it is food-safe and provides the correct aroma.
How much milk and butter are used in the potatoes?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of milk and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What provides the 'umami' flavor in the glaze?
The soy sauce in the maple glaze provides the savory umami balance to the sweet syrup.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely grated gingerroot.
What size kettle is recommended for the potatoes?
A large 5-quart kettle is recommended to ensure there is enough room to cover the potatoes with water.
Should the mashed potatoes be served warm?
Yes, the mashed potatoes should be served warm, alongside the freshly roasted salmon.
What is the overall tone of this meal?
This dish is described as both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and special occasions.