Planked Salmon

Planked Salmon Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Planked salmon is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for grilling outdoors. Cooking salmon on a cedar plank adds a smoky and woodsy flavor to the fish, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

History

The technique of cooking fish on a plank dates back to Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. They would use cedar planks to cook salmon over an open flame, infusing the fish with a unique flavor. Today, planked salmon has become a popular dish in many restaurants and homes around the world.

Ingredients

1 untreated cedar plank, preferably made specifically for cooking purposes
1 spray-bottle filled with water
4 salmon individual filets or steaks, preferably wild-caught as opposed to farmed
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp maple syrup
2 tbsp grapeseed oil (or other light-flavored oil)
0.5 tsp crushed dried chipotle pepper (a small amount of chipotle-flavored barbecue sauce can be substituted)
0.5 tsp crushed dried rosemary
kosher salt

Garnish

2 scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.5 tsp crushed dried chipotle pepper (a small amount of chipotle-flavored barbecue sauce can be substituted)

How to prepare

Soak the plank completely in water for several hours or overnight.
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, maple syrup, chipotle, rosemary, and oil.
Cover the salmon with the mixture and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Thinly slice the scallions.
In another small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of lemon juice and chipotle as suggested in the ingredients.
Meanwhile, prepare your barbecue at medium-high heat.
Place the plank in the center of the barbecue and lightly sprinkle it with kosher salt.
Close the barbecue lid for a couple of minutes to slightly dry the top of the plank.
Place the salmon in the center of the plank, leaving at least one inch of space between the fish and the edge of the plank.
Reduce the heat to low.
Close the barbecue lid and cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the desired doneness is achieved.
Use a spray bottle to extinguish any fire on the edge of the plank.
Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a serving platter and garnish with scallions.
Serve with the optional lemon juice and chipotle mixture as a garnish.

Variations

Try using different herbs and spices to season the salmon, such as dill, thyme, or paprika.
Add a squeeze of fresh orange or lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the cedar plank in water before grilling to prevent it from catching on fire.

- Make sure to leave enough space between the salmon and the edge of the plank to allow for even cooking.

- Use a spray bottle filled with water to extinguish any flames that may occur while grilling.

- Garnish the salmon with fresh herbs and lemon juice for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Planked salmon can be served with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a grain dish such as quinoa or rice. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling on a cedar plank adds a unique smoky flavor to the salmon. Make sure to monitor the heat of the grill to prevent the plank from catching on fire.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cedar planks, you can use a cast iron skillet or a baking dish to cook the salmon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the salmon in the lemon juice and spice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to grill. This will help the flavors to develop and infuse into the fish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the planked salmon on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Planked salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a grain dish. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover planked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

2g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin D: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Vitamin B12: 80% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,200mg per serving

Alergens

Fish (salmon)

Summary

Planked salmon is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Planked salmon is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for grilling outdoors. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and impressive meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for planked salmon. It was a rainy day in the small coastal town where I grew up, and I had sought refuge in the local library. As I perused the shelves of cookbooks, my eyes landed on a weathered, well-loved volume titled "Seafood Delights."

Intrigued, I pulled the book from the shelf and flipped through its pages, my fingers grazing the yellowed paper and faded ink. And there it was, nestled between the pages like a hidden treasure: the recipe for planked salmon.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the smoky, tender fish in my mouth. The concept of cooking salmon on a wooden plank over an open flame seemed both rustic and elegant, a perfect marriage of flavors and techniques.

Determined to try my hand at this new culinary adventure, I copied down the recipe in my notebook and set out to gather the necessary ingredients. The following day, I ventured to the local fish market, where I selected a fresh, shimmering salmon fillet that practically begged to be cooked on a wooden plank.

Back at home, I soaked a cedar plank in water for several hours, allowing it to absorb moisture and prevent it from catching fire during the cooking process. As the plank soaked, I prepared a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, infusing the salmon with bright, tangy flavors that would complement its natural richness.

Once the plank was ready, I placed the salmon fillet on top, skin side down, and brushed it generously with the marinade. With trembling hands, I carried the plank out to the grill, where the flames flickered and danced in the cool evening air.

As the salmon cooked, the fragrant smoke of the cedar plank mingled with the savory scent of the fish, creating a tantalizing aroma that wafted through the air and drew neighbors from their homes to investigate. I basted the salmon with the remaining marinade, watching as its flesh turned a delicate shade of pink and flaked easily with a fork.

When the salmon was finally cooked to perfection, I carefully lifted the plank from the grill and carried it to the table, where my family eagerly awaited their first taste of this new culinary creation. With a sense of pride and anticipation, I sliced the salmon into thick, juicy portions and served it alongside a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread.

As we dug into the planked salmon, savoring each bite with delight, I knew that this recipe would become a beloved tradition in our family for years to come. The smoky, succulent fish melted in our mouths, its flavors mingling with the earthy undertones of cedar and the bright acidity of lemon.

From that moment on, planked salmon became a staple of our family gatherings, a dish that brought us together around the table and filled our home with warmth and laughter. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of cooking salmon on a wooden plank to a new generation of cooks.

And as I look back on that rainy day in the library, when I first discovered the recipe for planked salmon, I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to this delicious and unforgettable dish. It is a testament to the power of food to bring joy and connection to our lives, and a reminder that the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary flavors.