Whiskey-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon
Experience the delectable flavors of the Pacific Northwest with this exquisite Cedar Planked Salmon infused with a rich whiskey maple glaze. Sourced from freshly caught salmon, this dish brings together the smoky essence of cedar wood and the sweet, bold taste of maple syrup combined with a touch of whiskey. Ideal for gatherings, this dish delights the palate and creates a spectacular presentation at the dining table. With this recipe, you’ll be able to elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with a gorgeous meal that’s both aromatic and visually stunning.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cedar plank
1 (soaked overnight or at least 1 hour)
whiskey
6 tablespoons (none)
maple syrup
3/4 cup (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (room temperature)
salmon
3 lbs (skin on)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
ground black pepper
to taste (none)
granulated onion
2 teaspoons (or onion powder)
lemons
2 (halved)
Instructions
1
Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to ensure it doesn’t burn on the grill.
2
In a small saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons of whiskey and 3/4 cup of maple syrup. Bring this mixture to a low boil and let it reduce by half until it reaches a syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
3
Once reduced, add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of room-temperature butter to the glaze, stirring until fully combined. Keep this mixture warm.
4
Season the salmon fillet (3 lbs, skin on) generously with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of granulated onion. Drizzle the warm glaze over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let the salmon marinate at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the soaked cedar plank and place it on the grill. Cover the grill and let the plank heat for 4-5 minutes until it begins to produce smoke and lightly crackle.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Season the cedar plank with a sprinkling of kosher salt. Carefully lay the salmon skin-side down onto the plank. Cover the grill and cook the salmon for 15-20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
7
Monitor the plank while cooking, ensuring it doesn’t catch fire. If it begins to char at the edges, use a spray bottle to mist the burning edges with water and close the grill lid immediately.
8
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill carefully. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon along the length of the fish and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon slices for a pop of color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whiskey-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon?
It is a Pacific Northwest dish featuring salmon grilled on a cedar plank and finished with a rich maple syrup and whiskey glaze.
How long should I soak the cedar plank?
You should soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour, though soaking it overnight is ideal to prevent it from burning.
How do I prepare the whiskey maple glaze?
Combine 6 tablespoons of whiskey and 3/4 cup of maple syrup in a saucepan, bring to a low boil, and reduce the volume by half.
What is the target consistency for the glaze reduction?
The glaze should reach a syrup-like consistency that is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
What ingredients are added to the glaze after it reduces?
Once reduced, stir in 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of room-temperature butter until combined.
How much salmon does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for a 3 lb salmon fillet with the skin still on.
What seasonings are used for the salmon fillet?
The salmon is seasoned with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of granulated onion or onion powder.
How long should the salmon marinate in the glaze?
Let the glazed salmon marinate at room temperature for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before grilling.
How should I preheat the grill?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to heat the cedar plank before adding the fish?
Yes, place the rinsed plank on the grill for 4-5 minutes until it produces smoke and begins to lightly crackle.
What temperature should the salmon be cooked at?
After heating the plank, reduce the grill heat to medium-low for the remainder of the cooking process.
Should I season the cedar plank?
Yes, sprinkle a bit of kosher salt onto the heated cedar plank before placing the salmon on it.
How do I place the salmon on the plank?
Carefully lay the salmon onto the plank with the skin-side facing down.
How long does it take to cook the salmon on the grill?
The salmon typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to cook through.
How can I tell if the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What should I do if the cedar plank catches fire?
Use a spray bottle to mist any burning or charring edges with water and immediately close the grill lid.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the length of the fish and garnish the platter with lemon slices.
Can I use onion powder instead of granulated onion?
Yes, onion powder is a perfectly suitable substitute for granulated onion in this recipe.
How many lemons are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lemons, which are halved for juice and decorative slices.
What role does the butter play in the glaze?
The tablespoon of butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture for the glaze.
Does this recipe use crushed red pepper?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is added to give the glaze a subtle heat.
Should the salmon be marinated in the fridge?
The recipe recommends marinating the salmon at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Is the salmon skin removed before grilling?
No, the salmon should be cooked skin-side down on the plank.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for both seasoning the fish and the cedar plank.
What makes this dish visually appealing?
The combination of the salmon on a rustic cedar plank and the lemon garnish creates a spectacular presentation.
Why is the plank rinsed before grilling?
Rinsing the soaked plank ensures it is clean and damp enough to produce the necessary smoke without immediate burning.
How much whiskey is used?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of whiskey for the glaze.
How much maple syrup is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of maple syrup for the glaze base.
What flavor profile does the cedar plank provide?
The cedar plank infuses the salmon with a distinct smoky essence.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for gatherings that is meant to impress guests with its aroma and presentation.