How to grill salmon on a cedar plank in the oven

Grilling salmon on a cedar plank in the oven is a delicious way to infuse your fish with a smoky, woodsy flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it by Papa Ken at Maine Grilling Products.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Cedar plank (food-safe and untreated)
• Olive oil
• Lemon slices (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as dill, thyme, or rosemary, optional)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cedar Plank:

   • Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1-2 hours or even overnight. Or check out Chardonnay soaked cedar planks.  This step is crucial to prevent the plank from catching fire in the oven.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   • Rub the fillets with olive oil on both sides. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
   • Season the salmon with salt and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs and lemon slices for extra flavor.

4. Place the Cedar Plank in the Oven:

   • Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the oven rack. Make sure it's in the middle of the oven.

5. Heat the Cedar Plank:

   • Let the cedar plank heat in the oven for about 3-5 minutes until you start to smell the wood's aroma. This will help infuse the salmon with the cedar flavor.

6. Add the Salmon:

   • Carefully remove the cedar plank from the oven using oven mitts or tongs.
   • Place the seasoned salmon fillets directly onto the hot cedar plank.

7. Bake the Salmon:

   • Put the cedar plank with the salmon back into the oven.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

8. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the cedar plank from the oven using oven mitts or tongs.
   • Let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving.

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Garnish the salmon with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or any other desired toppings.
   • Serve your delicious cedar-plank grilled salmon hot and enjoy!

Grilling salmon on a cedar plank in the oven is not only flavorful but also visually impressive. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or a family dinner. Just be sure to keep an eye on the plank while it's in the oven to ensure it doesn't catch fire, and always follow safety precautions when handling hot materials.  Enjoy!  Papa Ken