Cedar Plank Sockeye

Cedar plank salmon is one of the easiest ways to spruce up a salmon fillet, and it's easier than you might think!

Special equipment

• Cedar plank: available in the BBQ section of any hardware store, or source one yourself (just make sure it's untreated)
• BBQ (or a cooking fire!)

Ingredients

• 1 full side sockeye fillet (1.5-2 lbs)
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tbsp butter, divided
• 4-5 lemon slices
• Any fresh herbs (like dill, rosemary, or tarragon)
• Salt & pepper
• Spray bottle of water

Method

1. Soak your untreated cedar plank in fresh water for a solid couple hours. It must be saturated with water to minimize burning!
2. Preheat your BBQ to 450F
3. Dress your sockeye fillet with the garlic, butter, salt, pepper, lemon slices, and herbs.
4. Put the pre-soaked plank on the BBQ, and heat for 10 minutes.
5. Turn the BBQ down to 350F.
6. Turn the plank over (hot side up), and slide your dressed salmon onto the plank and close the lid.
7. Check after 5 minutes. If the plank is on fire spray some water on the flames. If it's smoking, that's a good sign!
8. Cook until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 120F (about 10-15 minutes).

 

If you're cooking over a cooking fire, here are some tips:

• Build a big, very hot fire.
• Allow the flames to die down somewhat before you put your cedar planks on the grill. Follow the same steps as above.
• The planks will catch on fire, so keep an eye on them and have a spray bottle nearby!
• Plan for 30-45 minutes of cook time.

And that's it! You've got yourself a spectacular summer feast.