Cedar Plank BBQ Salmon

When I met my husband-to-be, Tima, he hated fish. As a girl who had lived in Alaska and fully enjoyed the bounty of Alaskan salmon, I was determined to change his mind. And change it did. Over the years of our married life, we have developed our family’s favorite salmon recipes. One of these is BBQ salmon cooked on a cedar plank. Soaking the plank ahead of time allows it to infuse cedar smoke into the fish as it cooks, producing the most flavorful, smoky, BBQ salmon. Additionally, basting with flavored, melted butter helps lock in moisture and flavor. Serve directly on the cedar plank for an eye-catching presentation at any gathering or family dinner. You can also use this recipe for other fish.

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Cedar Plank BBQ Salmon

 

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Prep time

2 hours

Cook time

45 mins

Total time

2 hours 45 mins

 

BBQ salmon cooked on a cedar plank infuses cedar smoke into the fish as it cooks, producing the most flavorful, smoky, BBQ salmon.

Author: Welcome2OurTable.com

Recipe type: BBQ

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 Salmon Fillet, skin on
• Salt, Pepper
• ½ Stick Butter (2 oz)
• 1 Lime, zest and 2 Teaspoons juice
• 2 Tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
2. Place skin side on the pre-soaked cedar plank.
3. Set your grill to medium-high and set the plank with the fish on the grill rack.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the basting butter. Melt the butter, add lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Baste the salmon. Depending on the thickness and size of the salmon fillet, your cooking time may vary. We had a large, up to 1.5” thick fillet and our cooking time was about 25-45 minutes. Lower the heat to medium about halfway through cook time so the plank does not catch fire.
6. Check every 15 minutes and baste. Use a fork in the thickest part of the fillet to check for doneness. If it is pale pink and easily flakes, it’s done.

Notes

Cedar Plank Preparation
* You will need a cedar plank. If you have any untreated cedar boards around, cut one to the length of your salmon fillet. You can also purchase a cedar plank from specialty cookware stores.
* Soak your plank in cold water at least 2 hours, overnight if possible.
* Serve directly on the cedar plank, the skin will stick to the plank and the fish easily separates.

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Step-by-Step Photos

Season the salmon with salt and pepper.

Place skin side on the pre-soaked cedar plank. Set your grill to medium-high and set the plank with the fish on the grill rack.

Meanwhile, prepare the basting butter. Melt the butter, add lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Baste the salmon. Depending on the thickness and size of the salmon fillet, your cooking time may vary. We had a large, up to 1.5” thick fillet and our cooking time was about 25-45 minutes. Lower the heat to medium about halfway through cook time so the plank does not catch fire.

Check every 15 minutes and baste. Use a fork in the thickest part of the fillet to check for doneness. If it is pale pink and easily flakes, it’s done.

Cedar Plank Preparation

• You will need a cedar plank. If you have any untreated cedar boards around, cut one to the length of your salmon fillet. You can also purchase a cedar plank from specialty cookware stores.
• Soak your plank in cold water at least 2 hours, overnight if possible.
• Serve directly on the cedar plank, the skin will stick to the plank and the fish easily separates.

Cedar Plank BBQ Salmon Flambé

Tools and Tips

Here are a few of our favorite tools used in this recipe.