If you’re looking for an easy and mouthwatering seafood recipe that will transport you straight to a fancy restaurant, then look no further than this Cedar Plank salmon. This dish is a delightful ensemble of fresh salmon fillets, topped with a tantalizing brown sugar dijon glaze, and cooked on cedar planks either on the grill or in the oven.
Salmon is an incredibly versatile fish that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer Roasted Vegetables, French Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, or Easy Rice Pilaf, you can’t go wrong with this succulent salmon as the star of your meal.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out:
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Restaurant Quality Flavor Without the Price Tag: Get ready to be amazed by the exquisite flavors of this recipe. The combination of mustard and brown sugar in the glaze, combined with the woodsy and smoky notes from the grilled cedar plank, creates a truly unforgettable taste experience.
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That Glaze, Though: Prepare to be blown away by the delectable glaze that coats the salmon. The melding of tangy mustard and sweet brown sugar takes the flavor profile to a whole new level, perfectly complementing the natural flavors of the fish.
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Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the thought of cooking salmon on cedar planks. Soaking the cedar boards is a breeze, and the prep time is a mere 5 minutes. With just 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a stunning dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Where to Find Cedar Planks:
You can easily purchase cedar planks at your local grocery store or kitchen supply store. If convenience is your top priority, you can also find them on Hook’d Up Bar and Grill’s website. Cooking with cedar planks is an affordable and hassle-free way to infuse your dishes with that delicious wood-smoked flavor, without the need for any fancy equipment.
Cedar planks work their magic by steaming the fish during cooking, imparting the delightful woodsy essence of the soaked cedar plank. When combined with the smoky flavors from the grill, the result is an unparalleled taste sensation that will leave you craving more.
One thing to keep in mind is that reusing cedar planks is not recommended. While it is possible, especially if you cooked with indirect heat, the board will absorb the flavors of whatever was cooked on it. Additionally, if you grilled using direct heat, the board may become charred and difficult to handle or clean. If you really want to reuse the board, scrape off any leftover food, clean it with hot water (no soap), and let it re-soak before reusing.
How to Cook Cedar Plank Salmon:
1. Soak the Cedar Planks
Soaking the cedar planks is essential to unlock the full flavor potential of the cedar and ensure they don’t catch fire during grilling.
Cedar Plank Salmon in the Oven
If you don’t have a grill, fear not! You can still enjoy the delectable flavors of cedar plank salmon by cooking it in the oven. Although you won’t achieve the same smoky notes as you would on the grill, the woodsy flavor of the cedar plank will still infuse the fish beautifully. The preparation remains the same, so soak the planks in water as usual. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and cook the salmon for approximately 15-25 minutes (depending on thickness) until it easily flakes with a fork.
How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked Perfectly:
Have you ever wondered how professional chefs achieve that perfect salmon texture? Here are a couple of tips for ensuring your salmon is cooked to perfection:
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Watch the Color: The raw salmon will start off red and translucent-looking, but as it cooks, it will transform into a light, opaque pink.
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Flaky or Not?: Gently test the fish with a fork to see if the layers easily flake away. If they do, it’s ready to be enjoyed. Remember, it’s better to slightly undercook the salmon and return it to the oven for a minute or two, rather than overcook it.
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Rest and Relax: Once your salmon is nearly finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest. Keep in mind that it will continue to cook a little as it rests on the hot cedar plank.
Serve With:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetables
- French Green Beans
- Classic Wedge Salad
- Mashed Potatoes (Yes, we love them that much!)
- Potato Salad
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- Garlic Knots
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This recipe was originally shared in June 2018 and was updated in May 2020 with process photos, additional tips, and information for buying cedar planks.