Cedar Planked Salmon Recipe

Preparation and Marinade

Salmon Selection: Choose fresh wild-caught salmon fillets with a good fat layer to ensure tenderness.

To prepare and marinate cedar planked salmon, it’s essential to start with high-quality ingredients.

Salmon Selection

• Choose fresh wild-caught salmon fillets that have a good fat layer to ensure tenderness and flavor.
• Avoid farmed or Atlantic salmon as they may contain added preservatives and antibiotics.
• Look for salmon with a vibrant pink color, firm texture, and a slightly sweet aroma.

Select fillets that are roughly the same thickness to ensure even cooking. The ideal size for cedar planked salmon is usually around 6-8 ounces per serving.

Marinade Preparation

• Combine a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chopped herbs such as dill, parsley, and thyme in a bowl.
• Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the marinade for extra flavor.
• You can also include other ingredients like grated ginger, honey, or soy sauce to create a unique flavor profile.

Whisk the marinade until it’s well combined, then adjust the seasoning as needed. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 part acidic ingredient (lemon juice) to 2 parts oil.

Marinade Tips and Tricks

• Refrigerate the marinade for at least 30 minutes before using it to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Brush the cedar plank with a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar to create a sticky glaze while cooking.
• To prevent the salmon from becoming too acidic, limit the amount of marinade and avoid letting it sit for extended periods.

Remember to always handle raw fish safely, and make sure to cook the cedar planked salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.

Mix Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl for a flavor profile recommended by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

The key to a mouth-watering Cedar Planked Salmon Recipe lies in the preparation and marinade process. To start, you’ll want to focus on creating a marinade that will infuse your salmon with the perfect balance of flavors.

To create this marinade, we recommend using a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper

Here’s the breakdown of the marinade ingredients and their roles:

1. Olive oil: This serves as the base of our marinade, providing a rich and healthy fat that will help to keep your salmon moist.
2. Lemon juice: The acidity in lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the salmon, making it more tender and flavorful.
3. Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a subtle yet aromatic flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
4. Dried thyme: This herb adds a slightly earthy and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the cedar wood.
5. Salt and pepper: These seasonings bring out the natural flavors in the salmon, while also enhancing the overall flavor profile of our marinade.

Now that we have our ingredients listed, let’s move on to combining them into a delicious marinade. Simply mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Be sure to taste and adjust as needed to get the perfect balance of flavors for your Cedar Planked Salmon Recipe.

This marinade is recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its flavor profile, which makes it a great starting point for any salmon recipe. Simply place your salmon in this marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Cedar Planking and Cooking

Clean the cedar planks with water to ensure they do not impart any chemicals into the fish. The Canadian Wood Association recommends cleaning wooden planks before use.

Cedar planking is a popular cooking method that involves grilling or baking fish directly on cedar planks, which imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. When it comes to cooking cedar-planked salmon, cleanliness and preparation are crucial to ensure food safety and optimal flavor.

The first step in preparing your cedar planks for cooking is to clean them thoroughly. According to the Canadian Wood Association, it’s essential to clean wooden planks before use to prevent any chemical residues from affecting the flavor and safety of your food. To do this, simply rinse each plank under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Once cleaned, allow the planks to dry completely before use. You can speed up the drying process by placing them in a low oven (150°F – 200°F) for about 15 minutes, or by placing them on a wire rack near a window with direct sunlight.

To prepare your cedar-planked salmon, preheat your grill or oven to the recommended temperature. For grilling, medium heat is best, while for baking, you can use a temperature between 400°F and 450°F. Place the cleaned cedar planks directly on the grill or in the oven, leaving enough space between them for even cooking.

Next, prepare your salmon fillets according to your preference – season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Once ready, place each fillet on a preheated cedar plank, making sure to leave some space around each piece for air to circulate.

Cook the salmon directly on the cedar planks, either grilling or baking for 12-15 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for 8-10 minutes per side, while well-done will take around 18-20 minutes.

When serving, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add a burst of citrus flavor and freshness. Remember, the key to successful cedar planking is even cooking and proper food safety, so be sure to check your fish frequently for doneness.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and flavorful cedar-planked salmon that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy grilling and baking!

Preheat grill or oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for a cooking method supported by the American Institute of Nutrition.

Cedar planking is an ancient and traditional method of grilling or baking food, particularly fish, that not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation and aroma of the dish.

To start with, you will need to select a suitable piece of cedar wood, preferably a plank that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick and has been specifically designed for cooking purposes.

Cedar planks are typically made from Western red cedar or Eastern white cedar, both of which have natural oils and properties that will infuse flavor into your food without imparting any bitterness.

The first step in preparing the cedar plank is to lightly sand it to remove any rough edges and smooth out the surface. You can also brush the plank with a mixture of water and lemon juice or olive oil to help prevent it from catching fire during cooking.

Next, you will need to season the fish that you plan to cook on the cedar plank. In this recipe, we are using salmon fillets, which should be rinsed under cold running water and patted dry with a paper towel before seasoning.

A simple seasoning blend of salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill can add a lot of flavor to the fish without overpowering it. You can also sprinkle some grated lemon zest or minced garlic on top of the fish for extra flavor.

Once your cedar plank is prepared and your salmon fillets are seasoned, it’s time to preheat your grill or oven according to the recommended temperature for each method.

If using a grill, heat it to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C), which will allow you to cook the fish quickly while imparting a nice smoky flavor from the cedar plank. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and place the cedar plank directly on the middle rack.

Regardless of whether you’re grilling or baking your cedar planked salmon, the key is to cook it until the internal temperature reaches a safe minimum of 145°F (63°C). You can use a food thermometer to check for doneness.

Once cooked through, remove the fish from the grill or oven and let it rest on the cedar plank for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. The heat from the plank will continue to infuse flavor into the fish even after it’s removed from heat.

The resulting dish is a beautifully presented and flavorful piece of salmon that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Cedar planking adds a unique and delicious twist to traditional cooking methods, and this recipe for cedar planked salmon is an excellent example of how to get the best results using this technique.

Serving and Variations

Plate with accompaniments: Serve salmon hot, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by roasted vegetables, as suggested by the British Heart Foundation for a balanced meal.

To serve salmon hot, it’s essential to consider the presentation and accompaniments that will complement its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. The British Heart Foundation suggests serving salmon with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

When preparing cedar planked salmon, follow these steps to achieve an impressive presentation:

1. Prepare the salmon by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
2. Cook the salmon on a preheated grill or oven until it’s cooked through and flaky.

Once the salmon is cooked, it’s time to create a visually appealing plate with accompaniments. Here are some suggestions:

Garnishes:

• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme add a burst of freshness and color.
• Edible flowers like violas or pansies can be used as a delicate garnish.

Roasted Vegetables:

• Slice vegetables thinly to ensure even cooking and presentation.
• Choose vegetables that complement the smoky flavor of the cedar plank, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.

Other Accompaniments:

• Add a side dish like quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes to complete the meal.
• Consider adding a drizzle of your favorite sauce or oil to add flavor and moisture.

By incorporating these elements into your cedar planked salmon recipe, you’ll create a visually stunning dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Experiment with flavors: Try different marinade combinations or add your favorite spices to create unique flavor profiles inspired by various international cuisines.

The art of serving and variations lies in the ability to experiment with different marinade combinations, adding unique flavors inspired by various international cuisines.

To begin with, consider a classic Mediterranean-style marinade featuring olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

This blend provides a delicate balance of citrusy freshness and earthy undertones that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the cedar planked salmon.

Another approach is to draw inspiration from Asian cuisine by combining soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil for a sweet and savory glaze.

This variation introduces a depth of umami flavor that will elevate the dish to new heights and provide a delightful contrast to the smoky cedar plank.

For those who enjoy bold flavors, try infusing your marinade with the warm spices of Indian cuisine such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

This combination will add an aromatic and slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the salmon.

In addition to these international inspirations, consider experimenting with different herbs and spices from various regions to create unique marinade combinations that reflect your personal taste preferences.

Some other options to explore include Italian-style basil and parsley, Mexican cumin and chili powder, or Moroccan cumin and paprika.

The key is to have fun and be adventurous in the kitchen by experimenting with different flavor profiles and techniques to create a truly unforgettable cedar planked salmon dish.