Cedar Plank Salmon

Our family has been going to Ludington, Michigan for the past twenty years.  Every year we catch fresh salmon and try new recipes to make the most of our fresh catch.  This year we did two recipes that were pretty tasty.    We did cedar plank salmon and a new twist on fish tacos which you can find here.  The cedar plank salmon instructions and photos are below.

Here’s an example of the salmon we catch every year.  In the pic below, from left to right are me (Tom), my best friend, Brad Barker, and my dad Gary:

Ingredients:
1.5 cups brown sugar
3 tbsp course ground coffee
1.5 tsp cumin
1.5 tsp garlic powder
.5 tsp salt
.5 tsp pepper
2 large salmon fillets
Cedar Planks (purchase planks that are marketed for cooking purposes that are unseasoned)

Soak cedar planks in water for approximately 30 minutes.  While the planks are soaking prepare a charcoal fire for direct grilling.
Combine all ingredients (except the salmon and cedar planks):

Wipe the planks dry with a paper towel.  On the side of plank that is face up, drizzle with olive oil then spread some of the rub on the plank:

Next place salmon on the plank and place a generous amount of rub over the top of the salmon:

Place the plank (with fish and seasoning) on grill over medium to medium high heat (approximately 375 degrees) and close lid.  Cook for 20 to 30 minutes until salmon is done.  Cook times will vary depending on size of fish.  DO NOT TURN FISH!

As you can see the rub will cook off as the fat from the fish and the sugar combine forming a syrup that will run off the sides:

When done carefully remove plank from grill and transfer to heat resistant surface.  Serve from cedar plank:

The Cedar Plank Salmon received mixed reviews.  Some loved the earthy taste from the cedar planks and others in our group did not care for the wood taste at all.

***Editor’s note ~ The earthiness of the coffee and the smoke from the cedar are not for everyone.  You may want to give this a try before you spring this on anyone.  Basically, give it a shot before you serve it for a crowd***

If you have any questions about the salmon recipe, feel free to leave a comment below or shoot me an email.

If you want to see other seafood recipes, click here.

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