Eli's Cedar Plank Salmon 🍣🌲

This delicious cedar plank salmon is a show-stopper that's perfect for summer BBQs or cozy dinner gatherings. The smoky flavor from the cedar adds depth to the tender, juicy salmon, and the marinade balances sweet and savory notes for an irresistible dish. Serve it straight from the plank for a rustic presentation that will impress your guests! 🌿🍋

Ingredients

For the marinade

• 1 side of salmon filet, skin on
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup crushed tangerines (or olive oil)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons crushed ginger
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)

For grilling

• 1 24-inch piece of cedar plank (soak for 2-3 hours)

Instructions

1. Prep the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, crushed tangerines, vegetable oil, crushed ginger, and bourbon (if using) until well combined.

   🥣 The bourbon adds a subtle flavor, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic marinade.

2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon filet in a zip lock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.

   🕒 For deeper flavor, try marinating overnight!

3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill and then turn it to the lowest flame.

   🔥 A low, slow cook will allow the salmon to absorb the cedar flavor beautifully.

4. Cook on the Cedar Plank: Place the marinated salmon on the soaked cedar plank, skin side down. Grill for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is firm at its thickest part and flakes easily with a fork.

   ⏲️ Keep an eye on it; cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the filet.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully transfer the cedar plank to the table for a stunning presentation and serve the salmon directly from the plank.

   🍽️ Pair it with grilled vegetables or a fresh summer salad for a complete meal!

Tips and Suggestions

• Pairing: Consider serving this salmon with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious marinade.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be flaked and added to salads or pasta for a quick lunch the next day.
• Variations:
  • Add citrus zest (like lemon or lime) to the marinade for an extra burst of freshness. 🍋
  • Experiment with different types of wood planks, like cherry or hickory, for varying flavors.

Fun Fact

Did you know that cooking on cedar planks is an ancient technique used by Pacific Northwest Native Americans? It adds a unique aroma and flavor to the fish that is hard to resist! 🌊🏕️