Baked (Or Grilled) Cedar-Plank Salmon (Real Simple)

galexa's Note:

This recipe is a (very) slightly adapted version of a recipe from Real Simple magazine, Jan. 2009. It was voted No. 9 in a list of readers 50 favorite recipes! It is delicious and SO easy! Buy your salmon fillets fresh (with skin) and you won't get that fishy smell at all! I baked the salmon when I made this recipe, but I have also included instructions for grilling outdoors. The cedar plank adds a wonderful, smoky flavor. It should be 7 x 14 x 1/3 inches. I found cedar planks in the meat department of my local grocery store. You must soak the cedar plank in water for no less than 30 minutes before use. Prep time includes soaking time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (2 lb) salmon fillets , with skin on
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pre-soaked cedar plank on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Place the salmon, skin side down, on the cedar plank. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, oil, thyme, and cayenne. Spread over the salmon.
3. Cover with foil. Roast on plank for 25-30 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
4. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
5. To grill: Follow instructions above, except put the plank with salmon (covered with foil) directly on the grill. Grill should be preheated to medium or, if using charcoal, allow the coals to burn until they are covered with white ash.

Reviews

[pschilke]

The temperature/cook time was way off, too short. Good marinade though.

[Chef #257563]

Salmon was moist but was a bit sweet for me. I added a little soy sauce and the extra kick was good.