How Do I Cook Cedar Plank Salmon

ByLily

Cedar plank salmon uses indirect heat and wood smoke to infuse flavor while keeping the fish moist and flaky. If you are wondering, how do i cook cedar plank salmon, the process is simpler than it sounds. You just need the right plank, a hot grill, and a little patience.

This guide walks you through soaking, prepping, and grilling. You will get a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

How Do I Cook Cedar Plank Salmon

Here is the full step-by-step method. Follow these steps and you will avoid the two biggest mistakes: a burnt plank and dry fish.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your tools and ingredients first. This keeps you from running around mid-cook.

  • One untreated cedar plank (roughly 12 by 6 inches)
  • One salmon fillet, skin on, about 1 to 1.5 pounds
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt, black pepper, and lemon slices
  • A grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Spray bottle with water (for flare-ups)

Make sure the plank is untreated. Treated wood can release chemicals into your food. Most grocery and hardware stores sell food-safe cedar planks.

Step 1: Soak The Plank

Soak the cedar plank in water for at least one hour. Two hours is better. You can also add a splash of white wine or apple cider to the water for extra aroma.

Weigh the plank down with a heavy can or bowl so it stays submerged. A dry plank will catch fire on the grill. A soaked plank smolders and creates smoke.

Step 2: Prep The Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface stops the smoke from sticking.

Rub the fillet with olive oil or melted butter. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place lemon slices on top if you like.

Let the fish sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you heat the grill.

Step 3: Heat Your Grill

Set your grill to medium heat, around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For a gas grill, light one side and leave the other off. For charcoal, push the coals to one side.

You want indirect heat. The salmon sits on the cool side while the hot side creates smoke and warmth.

Step 4: Place The Plank On The Grill

Put the soaked plank directly on the hot grate over the unlit side. Close the lid and let it heat for 3 to 5 minutes.

You will hear it crackle and see a little smoke. That is normal. If the plank flames up, spray it with water.

Step 5: Cook The Salmon

Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot plank. Close the lid.

Cook for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness. Do not flip the fish. The plank does the work.

Check for doneness at 12 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Slide a spatula under the fish and lift it off the plank. Or serve it right on the plank for a rustic look.

Let it rest for 3 minutes. Then squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even good cooks mess this up. Here is what to watch for.

  • Using a dry plank: always soak it first
  • Cooking over direct flames: this burns the wood and the fish
  • Skipping the preheat: a cold plank sticks to the fish
  • Overcooking: salmon dries out fast past 140 degrees
  • Reusing a charred plank: use a fresh one each time

If your plank catches fire, do not panic. Move the fish to a sheet of foil, spray the plank, and keep cooking over indirect heat.

Tips For Better Flavor

You can keep it simple or get creative. Both work.

Seasoning Ideas

  • Brown sugar and smoked paprika rub
  • Dijon mustard and honey glaze
  • Fresh dill, garlic, and butter
  • Lemon pepper and sea salt

Apply glazes in the last 5 minutes. Sugar burns quickly over heat.

Wood Pairings

Cedar is the classic choice. It gives a mild, sweet smoke. If you want a stronger taste, try alder or apple wood chips alongside the plank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cook Cedar Plank Salmon In The Oven

Yes. Soak the plank, place it in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes, then add the salmon. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You will get less smoke but the same moist texture.

How Long Should I Soak The Cedar Plank

At least one hour. Two hours is ideal. Overnight soaking is fine too, but not required.

Do I Need To Flip The Salmon

No. Leave it skin-side down the whole time. Flipping breaks the fillet and sticks to the plank.

What If I Do Not Have A Grill

Use your oven broiler on low, or a stovetop grill pan with the plank on top. Just watch the heat closely.

Is The Skin Edible

Yes, it gets crispy and tasty. Some people peel it off, but it is safe to eat.

Cooking cedar plank salmon is mostly about prep and patience. Soak the wood, use indirect heat, and pull the fish at the right temp. Do that and you will get a moist, smoky fillet every time.

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