Cedar plank salmon is a delicious and visually appealing way to cook salmon fillets. The cedar wood plank infuses the salmon with subtle, smoky woody flavors while allowing it to cook gently surrounded by aromatic cedar smoke. Cedar planked salmon is a simple but elegant preparation that has become popular in many restaurants and households.
Why cook salmon on a cedar plank?
Cedar plank cooking offers several advantages over other salmon cooking methods:
Enhanced flavor – The cedar wood infuses the salmon with its smoky, woody fragrance as it permeates the fish during cooking. This adds extra depth of flavor to the salmon.
Moist texture – Cooking directly on the plank allows the salmon to gently steam and retain moisture while the exterior develops a beautiful caramelized crust. The final result is a tender, flaky interior with crisp edges.
Fun presentation – Serving salmon cooked and presented on the aromatic cedar plank makes for an attractive table presentation. Cedar planked salmon can feel like an impressive specialty dish.
Versatile cooking method – Cedar planks can be used in the oven, on the grill, or even directly on a campfire for hassle-free salmon cooking in nearly any environment.
Natural cooking – Cooking on untreated cedar wood avoids exposure to grates or pans coated with synthetic nonstick chemicals. The cedar imparts flavor using nothing more than heat and natural steam.
How to choose cedar planks for cooking
When selecting cedar planks for salmon cooking, keep the following tips in mind:
– Get untreated planks – Untreated cedar has not been subjected to potential chemical treatments. This ensures pure, clean cedar flavor.
– Choose thick planks – Plank thickness should be at least 1/2 inch to prevent cracking or burning. Thicker planks hold heat and allow salmon to cook slowly.
– Look for large planks – The plank should be large enough to hold an entire salmon fillet flat. Average plank size is 12 x 7 inches or larger.
– Select planks labeled food safe – Make sure planks are sold specifically for cooking to avoid contamination with finishing oils or chemicals.
– Soak before using – Soaking planks in water prevents burning and allows them to last through multiple uses.
Cedar Plank Selection Considerations
Factor | Recommendation |
---|---|
Treatment | Untreated wood to avoid chemicals |
Thickness | At least 1/2 inch thick |
Size | 12 x 7 inches or larger |
Designation | Labeled as food safe |
Preparation | Soak in water before using |
How to cook salmon on a cedar plank
Follow these simple steps for cooking foolproof cedar plank salmon:
1. Soak the plank – Place the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour prior to cooking. This prevents the plank from burning and cracking.
2. Preheat oven or grill – If using the oven, preheat to 400°F. If using a grill, preheat to medium heat with the lid closed to create an oven-like environment.
3. Oil the plank – Lightly brush the cedar plank with oil on both sides to help conduct heat evenly to the fish.
4. Season fish and place on plank – Pat salmon fillets dry, season with desired herbs/spices, and place skin-side down on oiled plank.
5. Cook – Place plank on oven/grill rack and cook approximately 10-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and reaches desired doneness.
6. Rest and serve – Remove salmon from plank and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Discard used plank or rinse and reuse up to several times.
Cedar Planked Salmon Cooking Process
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Soak plank in water 1+ hour |
2 | Preheat oven or grill to 400°F or medium heat |
3 | Lightly oil plank on both sides |
4 | Season salmon and place skin-down on plank |
5 | Cook 10-15 minutes until salmon flakes |
6 | Let rest 5 minutes then serve |
Tips for the best cedar planked salmon
Use these tips for flavorful, moist cedar-infused salmon every time:
– Choose sustainably caught wild salmon for optimal flavor and texture.
– Cut salmon into individual 4-6 oz portions for even cooking.
– Avoid overcrowding – leave at least 1 inch between pieces.
– Brush fillets with oil or rub with brown sugar to promote caramelization.
– Season simply with just salt, pepper, herbs, citrus, or teriyaki to complement the cedar.
– Rotate the plank halfway through cooking for even exposure to heat and smoke.
– Check for doneness early – salmon overcooks quickly. Cook until just opaque and flakes easily.
– Let salmon rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier results.
– Reuse planks up to several uses if brushed clean after soaking.
– Pair cedar planked salmon with lighter sides like rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Common questions about cedar planked salmon
What kind of wood can be used besides cedar?
Alder, maple, oak, and cherry are other good hardwood options that also impart subtle flavor. Avoid softwoods like pine.
What are the best salmon cuts for planks?
Salmon fillets of uniform 1-inch thickness work best. Center-cut fillets allow for even cooking.
How long does it take to cook salmon on a cedar plank?
Cooking time is typically 10-15 minutes. Thickness of the fillet and cooking temperature affect time.
Can you reuse cedar planks?
Yes, each plank can be reused 2-4 times if brushed clean and dried between uses. Eventually planks will crack or become too charred.
How do you prevent planks from burning?
Soaking planks before use hydrates the wood so it does not burn. Avoiding very high heat and rotating planks also prevents burning.
What are the best ways to season salmon for cedar planks?
Simple salt and pepper along with lemon, lime, garlic, fresh herbs, brown sugar, soy sauce, teriyaki, or a light drizzle of olive oil work well.
What are the best side dishes with cedar planked salmon?
Rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, salads, and roasted vegetables complement the salmon well without overpowering the subtle cedar flavor.
Is cedar planked salmon healthy?
Yes, salmon is a nutritious fish high in omega-3s. Cedar plank cooking avoids adding unhealthy oils, while infusing the salmon with flavorful smoke.
Conclusion
Cedar planked salmon is a simple but impressive cooking technique that infuses salmon fillets with delicious smoky flavor. The cedar wood imparts its fragrance to the fish while allowing it to gently cook on the plank. Choosing an untreated cedar plank of at least 1/2 inch thickness, soaking before use, oiling, and cooking at 400°F for 10-15 minutes results in flavorful salmon with a beautifully caramelized exterior yet moist interior texture. Cedar planked salmon makes for an elegant presentation while requiring minimal preparation, and allows the high-quality salmon to shine. Served with fresh sides, cedar salmon is a delicious and easy special occasion meal. Once you try salmon cooked on fragrant cedar, you may never want to cook this fish any other way again.