Grilling on cedar or other wood adds a lot of flavor to your fish and makes for a great presentation also. I first had this preparation when I lived in Seattle and couldn’t wait to introduce it to friends back home. I'd kinda forgotten about it until my recent trip to Alaska where I had planked salmon almost everyday... it is so good and very simple to make. Your guests will rave; serve it directly on the plank but put down some brown paper or a drop cloth to protect your table.
As you can see, I did not soak my planks long enough or I had the heat too high when I cooked these. This was my first try. Since then, I've learned to keep the heat regulated so I don't burn up the planks and I can reuse them over and over!
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Special equipment: Cedar Planks for grilling- one for each piece of fish
4 Salmon fillets (make sure any bones are removed)
1/2 cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon for the planks
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon butter, room temp
Directions:
Get the cedar planks from your favorite culinary, grocery or hardware store. Soak the planks in water for at least two hours before grilling. I've added a little bourbon to the soak but it didn't seem to do much to the flavor.
Next, while your planks are soaking, add all ingredients except the salmon to a zip top bag. Add the salmon about an hour before grilling. Keep it chilled until grilling.
Heat coals to medium-high heat (hold your hand over for a 3 count) Remove the planks from soaking. Place on the grill to dry slightly and then lightly rub planks with a little olive oil to keep fish from sticking. Remove the fish from marinade and place on the planks. Top with a lemon slice if you like. Grill with the top closed for 12-15 minutes-this will depend on the size and thickness of your fish. If you have a large piece of fish, you may have to cook it longer. Grill until the salmon flakes easily. Mist any flare ups or if the edges of the plank start to catch fire.
