The aroma of cedar planks sizzling over hot coals brings an undeniable sense of excitement. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled piece of salmon that’s tender and flaky, with hints of smoky cedar infusing every juicy bite—simply heavenly! This Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is not just any dish; it’s a celebration of summer, family gatherings, and the joy of cooking outdoors.
Every time I fire up the grill for this recipe, memories flood back of family picnics where laughter mingled with the scent of charred goodness. This dish has become my go-to for special occasions because it never fails to impress. Just picture it—a sunny afternoon surrounded by loved ones, all eagerly awaiting that first taste of pure bliss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weekends while delivering incredible flavor everyone will love.
- The vibrant colors and aromatic scents make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Perfect for outdoor gatherings but versatile enough to delight any dinner table setting.
- You can easily swap in your favorite seasoning or sides to suit everyone’s tastes.
I remember one summer barbeque when my cousin declared this salmon “the best thing I’ve ever tasted!” It felt like winning a gold medal in culinary Olympics.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen fillets with bright color; they should smell like the ocean—fresh and clean.
- Cedar Plank: Use untreated cedar planks designed for grilling. They add an incredible smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavor while keeping the fish moist.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the flavors and balances richness.
- Dill and Garlic Powder: These add freshness; adjust based on your love for herbs and spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon; don’t skimp!
- Your Favorite Marinade (optional): Feel free to experiment; teriyaki or honey mustard marinades work wonders!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your grill setup by soaking your cedar plank in water for at least an hour. This prevents it from burning too quickly while adding moisture during cooking.
Preheat Your Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C). Ensure it’s nice and hot before adding your salmon to achieve that perfect sear.
Prepare Your Salmon: While the grill heats up, pat your salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and season generously with salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder.
Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seasoned fillets. This not only enhances flavor but also helps balance richness beautifully.
Place on Cedar Plank: Once the grill is ready, carefully place your soaked cedar plank on it. After a minute or so, when it begins to smoke slightly, gently lay down your seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down.
Close the Lid: Close the grill lid and let cook undisturbed for about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally until the fish flakes easily with a fork—resist the urge to peek too often!
Serve with Style: When done cooking, remove from heat carefully (it’s hot!). Transfer to a platter directly from the plank to serve—no extra dishes required!
This Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon provides a delightful experience both in flavor and presentation as you gather around friends and family. Enjoy those sunny afternoons filled with laughter while relishing each delicious bite!
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon not only tastes amazing but also impresses your guests.
- The delicate cedar flavor pairs beautifully with the salmon, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
- Plus, it’s simple enough for novice cooks to master.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly grilled cedar plank salmon, soak the cedar planks for at least two hours before grilling. Preheat your grill while seasoning the salmon and preparing toppings. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and absorbs that tasty smokiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by trying different seasonings or adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also swap out maple syrup for honey if you want a sweeter glaze. Experimenting will help you find your favorite flavor combination.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Soak your cedar plank long enough to prevent burning; two hours is ideal.
- Ensure your grill is at medium heat; this helps cook the fish evenly without drying it out.
- Always keep an eye on cooking times; salmon can go from perfect to overdone in a flash.
Nothing beats that moment when friends gather around the grill, eagerly anticipating the first bite of cedar plank salmon. Their smiles and compliments made all my efforts worthwhile, reminding me of why I love sharing food.
FAQ
What is the best type of cedar plank for grilling?
Use untreated Western red cedar planks for the best flavor and performance.
How long should I soak my cedar plank?
Soak your cedar plank for at least two hours to prevent it from burning.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Yes, trout or halibut are great alternatives that also work well with cedar planks.
Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is a delightful dish featuring tender salmon infused with smoky cedar flavors and zesty lemon, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 untreated cedar plank (12x6 inches)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Pat salmon fillets dry, then drizzle olive oil over both sides. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seasoned fillets.
- Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill for a minute until it begins to smoke. Lay the salmon skin-side down on the plank.
- Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove from the grill and serve directly from the plank.
Notes
- For added flavor, try marinating your salmon in teriyaki or honey mustard before grilling.
- Pair with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 112mg
