This sunny season always calls for something special on the grill. Imagine the aroma of cedar wood mingling with perfectly grilled salmon wafting through the air. It’s a culinary delight that transforms any gathering into a memorable feast—especially during Memorial Day. The anticipation builds as you prepare to serve your family and friends a dish that’s not only delicious but also showcases your grilling prowess.
Growing up, we always celebrated Memorial Day with family BBQs where my uncle would steal the show with his cedar plank salmon. Each bite was bursting with flavor and left everyone wanting more. Now it’s my turn to carry on that delicious tradition—trust me; this is one recipe you don’t want to miss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparing grilled cedar plank salmon makes it suitable for novice and seasoned cooks alike
- Its smoky flavor and juicy texture will have your guests raving long after the meal is over
- Plus, it looks stunning served straight from the grill
- Perfect for festive occasions or a relaxing summer evening dinner!
The reactions from my family when I first made this dish were priceless; they thought I had enrolled in some fancy culinary school.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cedar Plank: Soak your cedar plank in water for at least an hour before grilling to prevent burning.
- Salmon Fillet: Choose fresh wild-caught salmon if possible; it’s more flavorful than farmed varieties.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it enhances flavor while keeping the fish moist.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest adds a bright citrus note that complements the richness of the salmon.
- Dill: Fresh dill brings a vibrant herbal note; dried dill works in a pinch but won’t pack as much punch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these basics elevate all flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Cedar Plank: Soak your cedar plank in water for about an hour before grilling. This step keeps it from catching fire while infusing your fish with aromatic flavors.
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking without drying out your precious salmon.
Season Your Salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a clean plate. Drizzle olive oil over it and sprinkle salt, pepper, lemon zest, and dill evenly to coat.
Add Salmon to Cedar Plank: Carefully place the seasoned salmon on the soaked cedar plank. Ensure it’s centered so it cooks evenly and doesn’t fall off during grilling.
Grill It Up: Place the cedar plank on the preheated grill. Close the lid and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat carefully (it will be hot!) and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired!
There you have it! A simple yet sophisticated way to prepare Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon that’s sure to impress everyone at your gathering.
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon will impress your guests and elevate your grilling game
- The aroma of cedar wood paired with juicy salmon creates a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for summer gatherings
- Plus, it’s easier than you think!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking cedar planks in water for at least an hour. Preheat your grill to medium heat, then place the soaked plank on the grill until it begins to smoke before adding the salmon.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with toppings such as fresh herbs, citrus slices, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist. Customize flavors to suit your palate and impress your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to preserve moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh salmon for best flavor and texture
- Marinade your fish for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption
- Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooked salmon can become dry and unappetizing
Creating this dish has led to some unforgettable moments, like when my neighbor nearly fainted from the aroma wafting through our backyard during last year’s barbecue.
FAQ
How long should I soak cedar planks?
Soak cedar planks for at least one hour before grilling to prevent burning.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, you can use other fish like trout or halibut with similar cooking times.
What side dishes pair well with salmon?
Grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad perfectly complement your Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.
Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Memorial Day Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is a flavorful and impressive dish that brings summer grilling to the next level with its smoky aroma and juicy texture, perfect for your festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large cedar plank (soaked for 1 hour)
- 1 lb fresh wild-caught salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank in water for at least one hour.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Place the salmon skin-side down on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and dill.
- Center the seasoned salmon on the soaked cedar plank.
- Grill the cedar plank for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding citrus slices or fresh herbs as toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; gently reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (113g)
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg