Cedar Plank Salmon

cedar salmon
Originally uploaded by maoshong.

I can't believe I haven't blogged about the one grilled food I make that drives people crazy. I actually haven't made it for a while, mostly due to the lack of a grill, people to feed, and someone to pay for the fish. However, in the last week, both Ben and my mom have talked to me about it.

I had to track down the recipe from an old email I sent to my friend in NYC. He doesn't really cook or have a grill but said that he NEEDED it after having the one pictured above.

This is one of the simplest recipes I have. The hardest part is remembering to soak the plank for at least an hour or two and leaving the lid closed while it cooks.

I think I'll be making this again next week or so. It'll give me the opportunity to show the HBS boys my cooking prowess and maybe find one who will pay for the groceries next time!

Salmon Dry Rub

2 teaspoons freshly grated pepper
1 teaspoon dried, grated lemon peel (I've never bothered to dry it)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon Sea salt crystals (I use kosher)
2 teaspoons light brown sugar (or dark, whatever you have)

The recipe I found somewhere years ago says to combine everything in a food processor. I've never done that, though I'm sure it would be good. I'm just too damn lazy to be bothered. I mix it in a bowl. With my hands, so there's less to clean after.

Transfer to a small bowl or cup, wrap tightly and store at room temperature until ready to use.

Cedar Plank Salmon

1 cedar BBQ grilling plank (Be sure this isn't treated wood - buy it from a food store, not home depot!)
2 lb. salmon fillet, fresh, about 2 inches thick, skin on
dry rub seasoning

1. Soak the cedar plank for 2 hours, drain.
2. Place the fillets on cedar plank skin side down. Sprinkle the top of the fish evenly with the dry rub (1 ½ teaspoon per serving). Press the seasoning into the flesh.
4. Place the salmon pieces in the center of the cedar plank. Place the plank on a grill. If using a gas grill, preheat on high then turn down to medium before placing the planks on the grill. If using a charcoal grill, wait until coals are covered with gray ash. Cover with a lid.
5. There will be some crackling and heavy smoke. Salmon should take 15 to 20 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the heat of the grill. The surface fat should turn white and fish should flake easily.