Grilled Cedar Planked Salmon
Grilled cedar plank salmon is surprisingly easy to make on the grill. No more having to dine out for it.
My husband loves salmon and orders it frequently when we go out for meals. I have never been a fish eating soul, but I NEED to get into the habit for the health benefits.
Salmon is a Powerhouse Food Source
◘ Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
◘ Less fishy taste than most fish choices
◘ Powerful weapon against inflammation
◘ Your metabolic rate increases eating this high protein meat
◘ Some studies show that consuming salmon reduces belly fat
Well, Well, Well There is a Sale Today
When grocery shopping on Monday, our regular store had a one-day special closeout on salmon.
While I was browsing the selection another gentleman (who is the chef at an upscale restaurant) and I were talking.
I told him that my husband loves salmon but I had never made it before.
He helped me chose my salmon and explained a unique way to make salmon on the grill. Grilled cedar plank salmon was his recommendation.
Two Ways to Purchase Cedar Boards
1.) Purchase them.
2.) Make them. Stop by a local lumber yard. Purchase 1×8, untreated cedar planks and cut them into 16-inch pieces.
Prepping The Boards
About 2-3 hours before you want to grill your salmon, soak your boards in water. You can also soak them in wine, it gives your salmon a whole different taste. I chose to use the water method for the first attempt.
Prepping The Grill
While you are boarding up the salmon, let your grill warm up to a medium heat.
Prepping Your Salmon
Wash and pat your salmon dry: leaving the skin on the salmon. You can choose to marinade the salmon at this time if you wish or use a rub you have prepared.
Place the salmon skin side down on the planks. If you have marinated the salmon you are set to grill. If not, now is the time to season it. I generously sprinkled sea salt, cracked pepper and rosemary on the skinned side that was facing me.
To Grill
Place the boards on the grill grates. I used a gas grill. As the boards dry out on the grill keep a water bottle handy and spritz the boards occasionally.
The boards will blacken on the underside a little but will not catch on fire. You will need to keep an eye on the boards during the grill process; just keep them damp.
Your salmon will take between 15-25 minutes to cook; depending on the thickness of your fish. It is finished when the salmon is a light pink.
Removal From Grill
Transfer the board onto a plate. Using a knife and a fork, remove the under skin; it comes off fairly easy. Plate up the salmon and let rest for a few minutes. The salmon really needs that rest period to meld the flavors.
Re-Using Your Boards
You can reuse the boards as many times as you see fit. Just be sure to wash them immediately with warm soapy water and rinse well. Let air dry.
Our Thoughts
Well, I am not sure my opinion really counts. For some odd reason, the texture of eating fish irks me. I just can’t get past it. The taste was fine.
My husband and son stated to make this every week, it is delicious.
A win for them! Still a loss for me. I read somewhere that if you get keep trying the same food over and over again you will acquire a taste for it. I plan on torturing myself repeatedly until I acquire the taste 🙂
