Zesty Cedar-Planked Salmon with Fresh Herb Topping
Elevate your grilling game with this exquisite cedar-planked salmon recipe, infused with delightful lemon and herb flavors. The cedar planks impart a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery texture of fresh salmon. This dish is perfect for a weekend family dinner or a special gathering. Just remember, the planks need to soak in water for at least 9 hours, so plan ahead! Trust us, this salmon will impress your taste buds, and the topping, while optional, gives it a refreshing finish that’s hard to resist.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh salmon fillets
4 (about 6 ounces each)
seasoning salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
fresh dill
2 tablespoons (or to taste (or use dried dill))
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons
lemon juice
3 tablespoons
oil
2 tablespoons
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
white salt
optional
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the cedar grilling planks in water for at least 9 hours or overnight. Place a heavy object on top to keep them submerged.
2
Once the planks are ready, prepare the herb topping by mixing the dill, parsley, lemon juice, oil, and minced garlic in a bowl; set aside.
3
Season each salmon fillet generously with seasoning salt and black pepper.
4
Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
5
Remove the cedar planks from the water and place them on the grill. Close the lid and heat for about 2 minutes or until the planks start to lightly smoke.
6
Carefully lay two salmon fillets on each cedar plank. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7
Using a heat-proof spatula, gently transfer the salmon from the planks to serving plates.
8
Using long tongs, carefully remove the planks from the grill and set aside.
9
Spoon the prepared herb mixture over the grilled salmon just before serving, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
2.5
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cedar-Planked Salmon?
It is an exquisite grilled salmon dish cooked on water-soaked cedar planks, which infuse the fish with a subtle smokiness and a rich, buttery texture.
How long should I soak the cedar planks?
The cedar planks need to be soaked in water for at least 9 hours or overnight to ensure they don't burn and provide enough moisture.
Why is it necessary to soak the cedar planks for 9 hours?
Soaking the planks for a long duration prevents them from catching fire on the grill and allows them to release flavorful smoke and steam into the salmon.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh salmon fillets, specifically around 6 ounces each.
What ingredients are in the herb topping?
The topping consists of fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon juice, oil, and minced garlic.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use dried dill if fresh dill is not available.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
You should preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, specifically between 350-400°F (175-200°C).
How do I keep the cedar planks submerged while soaking?
You should place a heavy object on top of the planks to keep them completely underwater during the soaking process.
How do I prepare the salmon before grilling?
Season each salmon fillet generously with seasoning salt and black pepper.
Do I need to heat the planks before adding the fish?
Yes, place the wet planks on the grill for about 2 minutes with the lid closed until they start to lightly smoke.
How many fillets should I place on each plank?
The instructions recommend laying two salmon fillets on each cedar plank.
How long does the salmon take to cook on the grill?
The salmon typically takes approximately 15 to 18 minutes to cook.
How can I tell if the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when the fish flakes easily with a fork.
When should I add the herb topping?
Spoon the prepared herb mixture over the grilled salmon just before serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and is a good source of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 2.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb meal.
How many calories are in a serving of this salmon?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This dish contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
Does the recipe include garlic?
Yes, the instructions specify using minced garlic in the herb topping mixture.
What kind of oil should I use for the topping?
The recipe mentions oil generally; a neutral oil or a light olive oil would work well for the herb mixture.
How do I remove the planks from the grill safely?
Use long tongs to carefully remove the hot planks from the grill and set them aside.
Is the herb topping required?
The herb topping is optional but highly recommended for a refreshing finish.
Can I use white salt instead of seasoning salt?
Yes, the recipe lists white salt as an optional ingredient.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need cedar grilling planks, a grill, a heavy object for soaking, bowls for mixing, and long tongs.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features smoky cedar notes combined with zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
How should I transfer the fish to the plate?
Use a heat-proof spatula to gently transfer the salmon from the planks to the serving plates.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
Based on the provided data, this recipe contains no fiber or sugar.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients.
Can I make this for a special occasion?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for special gatherings or a weekend family dinner.