Cassie’s Ruminations

Cedar Planked Salmon

This is an easy and delicious way to grill salmon, or any other hearty fish. The cedar plank lends a delicate smoky flavor to the fish. This is the first time I’ve tried this method, but it certainly won’t be the last! You can find cedar planks for grilling in many grocery stores, at cooking equipment stores, and even online: Cedar Grilling Plank. Alder, maple, cherry, and hickory wood are also used to make grilling planks and lend their own different flavors to the meat. You could probably get wood scraps at a hardware store as well, but if you do, please make sure the wood is untreated. I served this with green salad and some grilled garlic spears.

Cedar Planked Salmon
Serves 2

1 cedar grilling plank
Olive oil
1 lb salmon fillet (I used wild Copper River king salmon tonight)
Kosher salt
Thinly sliced lemon

Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the grill to medium heat.

Place the plank on the grill, brush lightly with olive oil, and let it heat for 5-10 minutes or until starting to crack and smoke slightly.

Place the salmon on the plank, season lightly with kosher salt, and cover with lemon slices.

Grill, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily. Keep an eye on the planks and spray them with water if they catch fire.

Remove the plank and place on a trivet. Serve salmon warm.