Slammin Cedar Plank Salmon Food

CEDAR PLANK SALMON

Steps:

• Soak cedar plank in salted water for 2 hours, then drain. Remove skin from salmon fillet. Remove any remaining bones. Rinse the salmon under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Generously season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. Lay the salmon (on what was skin-side down) on the cedar plank and carefully spread the mustard over the top and sides. Place the brown sugar in a bowl and crumble between your fingers, then sprinkle over the mustard.
• Set grill for indirect grilling and heat to medium-high. Place the cedar plank in the center of the hot grate, away from the heat. Cover the grill and cook until cooked through, around 20 to 30 minutes. The internal temperature should read 135 degrees F. Transfer the salmon and plank to a platter and serve right off the plank.
• Cook's Note: A direct method to grill the salmon may be used. Soak the cedar plank well. Spread the mustard and brown sugar on the salmon, but do not place the fish on the plank. Set up the grill for direct grilling on medium-high. When ready to cook, place the plank on the hot grate and leave it until there is a smell of smoke, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the plank over and place the fish on top. Cover the grill and cook until the fish is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. Check the plank occasionally. If the edges start to catch fire, mist with water, or move the plank to a cooler part of the grill.

CEDAR PLANK-SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Brine the fish: Combine the brown sugar, salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and 4 cups water in a large bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the salmon and weigh down with a can or skillet to keep it submerged. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Soak the wood chips and cedar plank in water 1 hour, then prepare your grill for smoking.
• About 30 minutes before smoking, remove the salmon from the refrigerator; drain and pat dry. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the cedar plank and season with salt and pepper. Top with the lemon slices and thyme sprigs. Let stand at room temperature to dry out, 30 minutes.
• Once the grill reaches 250 degrees F, place the plank with the salmon on the cooler side of the grill. Close the grill and let smoke until golden and just cooked through, about 20 minutes. If using a gas grill, turn off the flame and let the fish sit 10 more minutes (this is not necessary if using charcoal; it imparts more smoky flavor). Remove from the grill and serve hot or at room temperature.

CEDAR PLANK SALMON WITH MAPLE-GINGER GLAZE

Steps:

• Soak 1 large cedar grilling plank (15 by 6 inches) in a baking dish of water, about 2 hours; put a plate or mug on top to keep the plank submerged.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Sprinkle the salmon with the coriander, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the maple syrup, ginger, lemon zest and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and set aside.
• Remove the cedar plank from the water and pat dry. Place the plank directly on the oven rack and preheat about 15 minutes. Using tongs or oven mitts, remove the hot plank from the oven and place the fish, skin-side down, on the wood. Brush the fish with half of the ginger glaze. Transfer the fish on the plank to the oven; put a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Cook until the salmon is just firm and slightly golden on top, about 12 minutes.
• Remove the fish from the oven and change the oven setting to broil. Brush the remaining ginger glaze over the salmon and broil until golden, 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes on the plank before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

BARBECUED CEDAR PLANK SALMON

Steps:

• Soak the cedar plank in cold water for 2 hours; the cedar plank should be completely immersed in water, so weigh it down (a heavy bowl works well).
• Combine marinade ingredients in a shallow non-reactive dish large enough to hold the salmon. Place the salmon in the marinade and turn to coat; let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Preheat a grill to medium heat.
• Place the cedar plank on the hot grill. Once the cedar plank starts to smoke, place the salmon fillet on top of it, skin side down. Arrange the sliced onions on top of the salmon. Pour the marinade over all. Cover the grill and cook for 15 minutes. If the plank catches on fire, it can be lightly sprayed with water. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the salmon; allow 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The salmon may be served on the cedar plank, but be careful not to overcook as the salmon will continue cooking while resting on the hot cedar plank.

SLAMMIN' CEDAR PLANK SALMON

Steps:

• Soak the plank for at least 5 hours. I usually fill my plastic cooler with water the night before, put the plank in, and then put a brick on top to keep it submerged. Make a rub by mixing the pepper, lemon peel, garlic, tarragon, basil, paprika, sea salt, and brown sugar. Place the salmon fillets on a sheet of wax paper on a plate or a pan and work the rub into both sides with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Place the fillets in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. When you are ready to barbecue, remove the plank from the water and lightly oil the top surface before placing the salmon. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top of each fillet. Preheat the barbecue on high for at least ten minutes. Turn the barbecue to medium heat, place the plank with the salmon on the grill, and cover. Keep a spray bottle handy in case the planks catch on fire (they will). Cook until the internal temperature of the salmon is 120 degrees (8 to 10 minutes). The fish will turn pink and smoky brown, and the plank will be completely charred underneath. I like to have a second plank ready to serve the salmon on.

CEDAR PLANKED SALMON

Steps:

• Soak the cedar planks for at least 1 hour in warm water. Soak longer if you have time.
• In a shallow dish, stir together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to one hour.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. Place the planks on the grate. The boards are ready when they start to smoke and crackle just a little.
• Place the salmon fillets onto the planks and discard the marinade. Cover, and grill for about 20 minutes. Fish is done when you can flake it with a fork. It will continue to cook after you remove it from the grill.

CEDAR-PLANKED BBQ SALMON

Steps:

• Preheat grill to high.
• Sprinkle BBQ seasoning on salmon fillets.
• Combine ingredients for crust mixture and spread generously over the flesh side (not skin side) of each fillet.
• Season soaked cedar planks with sea salt, and place on grill.
• Close lid and heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until they start to crackle and smoke.
• Lift lid carefully and place salmon fillets on hot planks, skinned side down.
• Close lid and bake planked salmon for 12 to 15 minutes for medium doneness.
• Squeeze lemon over fillets.
• Check periodically to ensure the planks are not on fire.
• Use spray bottle to extinguish any flames.
• Carefully remove planks from grill and transfer salmon to serving platter.