The smell of cedar planks sizzling on the grill mingles with the sweet aroma of marinated salmon, creating an experience that’s just magical. Picture this: the sun is shining brightly on a warm May afternoon, friends and family are gathered around the grill, and laughter fills the air as you serve up a delicious Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long should I soak the cedar plank?
- Can I use other types of fish?
- What toppings work well with grilled salmon?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I fire up the grill each year for this special occasion, I can’t help but remember that one time my uncle thought he could outshine my grilling skills. Spoiler alert: he couldn’t. But hey, it’s all in good fun! Every bite of this tender, juicy fish brings back memories of laughter and love shared over delicious food. That’s why I look forward to making this dish every Memorial Day—it’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make grilled cedar plank salmon will impress your guests while keeping meal prep simple.
- The smoky aroma wafting from the grill creates an irresistible atmosphere.
- Vibrant colors and rich textures make it a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
- Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this dish can easily be paired with your favorite sides or salads.
I once served this dish during a backyard barbecue, and everyone was raving about it for weeks!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cedar Plank: Soak in water for at least an hour to prevent burning on the grill; it’s essential for infusing flavor.
- Fresh Salmon Fillet: Opt for skin-on fillets; they hold together better on the grill while adding richness.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the salmon; fresh is best.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh minced garlic to create depth of flavor; it enhances everything beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep the salmon moist while adding richness; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill or parsley works wonderfully here; they add freshness and complement the fish perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate flavors; don’t be shy with them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare yourself to embark on an adventure of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!
Soak Your Cedar Plank: Start by soaking your cedar plank in water for at least one hour. This step prevents it from catching fire too quickly on the grill while allowing it to infuse smoky flavors into your salmon.
Prep Your Salmon: While the plank soaks, pat your salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This ensures that it gets that perfect sear later without excess moisture getting in the way.
Create Your Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined. This zesty marinade will enhance every bite of your grilled masterpiece.
Add Marinade to Salmon: Place your salmon fillet on a plate or in a shallow dish and pour half of your marinade over it. Allow it to marinate while you prepare your grill—about 20 minutes should do!
Heat Up Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). When it’s hot enough to sizzle when you add water droplets, you’re ready.
Add Salmon to Cedar Plank & Grill: Place your marinated salmon skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank. Carefully transfer it onto the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for about 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Now sit back and enjoy those tantalizing smells wafting through the air—you’re almost there!
Once cooked through—juicy and flaky goodness—remove from heat and let rest for five minutes before serving. Pair with a refreshing salad or some grilled veggies for an unforgettable meal that screams summertime!
You Must Know
- Perfectly grilled cedar plank salmon is not just about taste; it’s an experience.
- The aroma wafting through the air while it cooks is simply irresistible.
- This dish impresses everyone and makes for a memorable meal shared with loved ones on special occasions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking your cedar plank for at least an hour. Preheat your grill, then place the salmon skin-side down on the plank to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the herbs or add citrus slices on top for an extra burst of flavor. You can even experiment with different marinades to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled salmon, ensure you check for doneness using a fork to see if it flakes easily.
- Avoid flipping too soon; let the grill do its magic!
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly, so never skimp on them.
Every time I make this Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon, my friends rave about how juicy and flavorful it turns out! It’s always a hit at our backyard barbecues.
FAQ
How long should I soak the cedar plank?
Soak your cedar plank for at least one hour before grilling.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, you can use other fish like trout or halibut; just adjust cooking times.
What toppings work well with grilled salmon?
Lemon slices, dill, or fresh herbs like parsley complement grilled salmon beautifully.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This grilled cedar plank salmon is a flavorful summer dish, combining juicy salmon with smoky cedar for an unforgettable outdoor meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for 1 hour)
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skin-on)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank in water for at least one hour.
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon on a plate and pour half of the marinade over it. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
- Place the marinated salmon skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank and transfer it to the grill.
- Grill for about 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Let rest for five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different herbs or citrus slices for added flavor.
- Other fish like trout or halibut can be substituted; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
