Just recently, we had the pleasure of hosting my nephew, Ryan, for dinner. Ryan, a young man in his twenties, has a genuine passion for good food and a wonderful enthusiasm for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. He had been raving about a fantastic tropical fruit salsa he’d paired with plank-grilled salmon, and we had been eager to try it ourselves. Sharing culinary experiences like this, especially with family, makes a meal truly special. It’s inspiring to see someone so young embrace the art of cooking, exploring new flavors and techniques.

Crafting the Perfect Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Dinner

This cedar plank grilled salmon dinner we created together was an absolute triumph – truly awesome and incredibly satisfying!

The combination of the subtly smoky salmon and the vibrant, fresh salsa was a match made in heaven. It proved that simple, quality ingredients, prepared with a little care, can yield extraordinary results. This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor; in fact, it often enhances it.

The Magic of Cedar Plank Grilling: Flavor and Technique

My journey into plank grilling began during one of my enjoyable shopping trips to Costco, where I picked up a package of cedar wood grilling planks. While I’d seen “plank-grilled” dishes on restaurant menus, I had never actually used them myself or even tasted food cooked this way. The prospect of trying something new was exciting, especially since I had brought home some beautiful wild salmon from a recent trip to Pensacola. This wild-caught salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, was the perfect candidate for this grilling method.

The preparation was incredibly simple: the salmon was lightly seasoned with just salt, pepper, and a modest drizzle of olive oil, then placed directly onto the pre-soaked cedar planks. A few minutes after the planks hit the grill, a wonderfully sweet, woody aroma began to waft through the air. It was absolutely captivating! I was genuinely amazed at how quickly and intensely the cedar planks began to impart their delightful fragrance, promising a truly unique flavor experience for the salmon.

Essential Tips for Successful Plank Grilling

To truly master cooking with cedar planks, there are a few crucial steps to follow. First and foremost, you absolutely must **soak your cedar planks for at least 20 minutes before grilling**. Ideally, soak them for 1-2 hours, or even longer, fully submerged in water. This prevents the planks from igniting on the grill and allows them to generate that wonderful, infusing steam and smoke that flavors your food. Some people even soak them in wine, beer, or apple juice for an added layer of flavor!

It’s also a smart practice to drizzle a little olive oil on both the plank and the fish. This simple step acts as a non-stick barrier, ensuring your delicate salmon doesn’t adhere to the wood, making for easier serving and a more intact fillet.

Crucially, **always place your soaked planks on indirect heat**. This is a lesson I learned firsthand! I initially made the mistake of placing them directly over a low-medium flame, which resulted in a few unexpected flare-ups. While the smoky char was interesting, it’s not the intended method. Indirect heat ensures the planks smolder and smoke gently, cooking the salmon evenly and infusing it with flavor without burning the wood too quickly. Always keep a spray bottle full of water handy by the grill – it’s your best friend for quickly taming any potential flare-ups, allowing you to maintain control and safety.

Beyond salmon, cedar planks can be used for a variety of foods, including chicken, vegetables, and even cheeses. They offer a unique, aromatic cooking method that is both simple and impressive, adding a gourmet touch to your outdoor cooking repertoire.

The Unforgettable Result: Simply Delicious Grilled Salmon

The anticipation built as the salmon slowly cooked, absorbing the smoky essence of the cedar. And the result? It was simply delicious. The salmon was incredibly moist, flaky, and imbued with a delicate, earthy flavor that only cedar plank grilling can provide. It’s a method that locks in moisture and adds a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable, far surpassing traditional grilling methods for delicate fish like salmon. The exterior gets a beautiful, subtle char while the interior remains tender and succulent, showcasing the natural richness of the salmon.

The Perfect Pairing: Tropical Fruit Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice

We proudly served the cedar plank grilled salmon with this bright tropical fruit salsa and a side of aromatic cilantro lime brown rice.

This combination created a meal that was not only visually stunning but also bursting with complementary flavors and textures. The sweet and tangy tropical salsa cut through the richness of the salmon beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast. The cilantro lime brown rice added a zesty, herbaceous base that tied the whole dish together, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

The beauty of this tropical fruit salsa is its versatility. While it shines brightly atop grilled salmon, it’s also fantastic with chicken, pork, or even as a vibrant dip with tortilla chips. Its freshness makes it a staple for warm weather dining, offering a guilt-free burst of flavor.

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This cedar plank grilled salmon with tropical fruit salsa is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the simple joys of good food, shared moments, and the exploration of new techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or new to outdoor cooking, this recipe offers a straightforward path to an incredibly rewarding dish. Embrace the flavors of summer and make this healthy, vibrant meal a staple in your rotation!