Why Cook Salmon on a Wood Plank? Benefits and Tips for Plank Grilling Fish

A cedar plank is the secret to grilling fish and the plank doubles as a rustic serving platter. Elizabeth Karmel.

Easter is in the rear view mirror and that means that grilling season is here. What does it matter if it’s cold where you live? It’s time to fire up the grill and start cooking!

When I think of what’s better cooked on the grill, my list is long. And fish tops the list. It is easy and I feel good about eating it. I can hear everyone saying, “Fish is hard to grill—it sticks to the grates, falls through the grates, and is not easy at all…” as soon as I write or say that.

Let me show you my favorite way to grill and smoke fish right now, before you even think about it. Use a cedar—or other hardwood—plank. The plank supports the delicate fish as it cooks and doubles as a serving platter. It is a combination of rustic and chic; it looks good and tastes good. Ultimately, it is very practical. This recipe is great because it can be cooked on a grill, in a smoker, or even in the oven (on a sheet pan).

The plank removes the obstacles that people face when grilling fish. It won’t stick to the grill, break, or stick together, and you won’t have to use that odd fish basket.

Salmon is the fish most often cooked on a plank, but this method works for any fish filet. My favorite way to grill fish steaks and shellfish is right on the grill, but you could also use a plank. Just make sure that you soak the plank in water for at least 30 minutes before using it. This allows it to smoke and smolder instead of catching fire.

You can buy wood planks at the grocery store, cook’s shop, or online if you’ve never used one before. If you buy them in bulk at a home store, make sure that you only buy untreated wood. Any of the planks packaged for grilling will be untreated. They are not expensive. But I like to clean them and save them for firewood or to add to a charcoal fire for flavor. Some people clean them and use them again. Truth be told, it’s pretty hard to get rid of all the smells of the first cook, and I don’t think it’s worth saving a few cents if it means your fresh fish will taste bad. MORE FROM.

Cooking salmon on a wood plank is a popular technique that infuses incredible flavor into the fish The plank not only makes grilling fish easy, it also imparts subtle smoky, woody tones that take salmon to the next level.

In this article, we’ll explore why cedar planks are a secret weapon for cooking salmon. We’ll cover the benefits of planking and tips for executing it perfectly every time By the end, you’ll be eager to give this flavorful method a try

What is Plank Grilling?

Plank grilling involves cooking fish or other foods atop a wooden plank usually cedar maple or alder. The plank is soaked in water prior to grilling, which allows it to smolder and smoke instead of catching fire.

As the plank gets hot on the grill, it slowly steams the food and adds light woodsy flavors. Sticky foods like fish are often cooked on planks, but they can also be used for chicken, beef, vegetables, and more.

While grilling is most common, planks can be used in the oven or on a gas grill too. They provide a solid, stable cooking surface and add great taste.

Why Cook Salmon on a Plank?

Cooking salmon on a cedar or other wood plank provides several advantages:

No sticking – The fish doesn’t stick to the plank like it would a grill grate.
Intact fillets – Thin tail sections won’t flake apart since the plank provides support.
Infused flavor – The plank impart a light smoky, woody taste.
Juicy fish – Planks allow gentle steaming which keeps the salmon incredibly moist.
Rustic presentation – Planks look beautiful brought right to the table.
Easy grilling – No special tools needed, just set plank over direct heat.

Overall, planking makes cooking salmon on the grill foolproof. The plank prevents common pitfalls, while greatly enhancing the flavor.

How to Cook Salmon on a Plank

Cooking salmon on a plank is simple. Follow these easy steps for perfect results:

Choose the Plank

Cedar and alder are common grilling woods. Avoid treated lumber.
Use planks about 1-inch thick, 11-12 inches long and 5-6 inches wide.
Thinner planks may char or burn. Thicker planks won’t heat evenly.

Soak the Plank

Soak plank in water for at least 1 hour before grilling.
Weigh down with a bowl or pot lid to fully submerge.
Soaking allows the plank to smolder without catching fire.

Prep the Fish

Pat salmon fillets dry and brush lightly with oil.
Season with salt, pepper and other herbs or spices as desired.
Place fillets skin-side down in the middle of plank.

Grill the Plank

Preheat grill to medium heat, about 400°F.
Place soaked plank directly over heat. Close grill lid.
Grill until salmon is opaque and flakes easily, 15-25 minutes.
Use tongs and grill mitts to carefully flip plank as needed.

Serve and Enjoy!

Salmon is deliciously infused with woodsy flavor.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serve salmon right off the plank for beautiful presentation.

It’s that simple! The plank does all the work for moist, flavorful salmon with little effort.

Plank Grilling Tips for Best Results

Follow these handy plank grilling tips:

Avoid flipping the salmon. Let it cook undisturbed for full plank flavor infusion.
Use two planks if cooking thicker king salmon steaks.
Planks can be re-used 2-3 times if cleaned and dried thoroughly.
Try different wood types like maple, oak or hickory for varied flavor profiles.
If plank catches fire, carefully extinguish by misting with water bottle.
If grill-smoking, keep plank over indirect heat and add soaked wood chips.
For oven use, place plank on a sheet pan. Increase temp 25°F compared to grilling.
Brush salmon with glazes, sauces or spice rubs during the last 10 minutes of cooking for incredible flavors.

Best Wood for Grilling Salmon

The most common types of wood used for plank grilling salmon are:

Cedar – Very aromatic with a subtle, citrusy flavor. The most popular grilling plank.

Alder – Lightly sweet and smokey. Enhances the salmon without overpowering it.

Maple – Imparts a reddish color and faintly sweet, nutty maple taste.

Oak – Stronger woodsy flavors. Better for red meats than delicate salmon.

Apple – Fruity, winy aromas. Blends nicely with salmon.

Cherry – Perfumed, fruity smoke flavor. Use sparingly to prevent bitter tones.

Hickory – Bold, bacon-like smoke flavor. Best forredo meats. Overpowering for salmon.

While plank grilling works with any wood, cedar and alder are best for bringing out salmon’s flavor. Their light, citrusy essences blend beautifully.

##simple homemade salmon seasoning blends

Planked salmon is delicious plain, but you can take it over the top with quick seasoning mixes:

Lemon Pepper – Black pepper, lemon zest, dried parsley
Dill & Lemon – Lemon zest, dried dill, salt, garlic powder
Brown Sugar & Chili – Brown sugar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika
Herbs de Provence – Rosemary, thyme, lavender, fennel
Citrus & Spice – Orange zest, crushed red pepper, cumin, brown sugar
Tomato Basil – Dried basil, garlic powder, dried tomatoes

Get creative with spices and herbs! Apply rubs before grilling or brush on sauces in the last 10 minutes.

Planked Salmon Recipe Inspiration

Take your salmon to the next level with these delicious plank recipes:

Cedar-Planked Barbecue Salmon – Brushed with barbecue sauce for sweet, tangy flavor
Bourbon Plank-Roasted Salmon – Glazed with bourbon, maple syrup and spices
Lemon-Dill Planked Salmon – Topped with lemon slices and fresh dill
Planked Salmon Tacos – With zesty cabbage slaw and cilantro cream
Cedar-Planked Salmon Burgers – Infused with alderwood smoke
Planked Salmon Rice Bowl – Over sushi rice and vegetables
Planked Miso Salmon – Coated in umami miso, ginger and garlic

Mix and match flavors – the possibilities are endless with this simple technique!

Elevate Your Salmon with Wood Plank Cooking

Cooking salmon on soaked wood planks prevents sticking, steams fish gently, and infuses incredible flavor. It takes the hassle out of grilling fish for moist, tender salmon every time.

The wood plank imparts a subtle smokiness while allowing other seasonings to shine. Cedar’s light citrus tones pair especially beautifully with salmon.

Next time you fire up the grill or oven, grab a plank and transform your salmon into something special. Just be prepared for the rave reviews!

why do you cook salmon on a wood plank

Slather your Salmon with Barbecue Sauce for a Meaty Fish Dish

There are many recipes I use the plank for, but my favorite is “barbecued” salmon that is finished cooking with a traditional barbecue sauce. It not only changes the taste to something more “meaty,” but it also gives the salmon a beautiful finish. People who say they don’t like fish often end up loving it there.

The last 10 minutes of cooking time are a great time to give the salmon a burst of flavor. [+] of flavor and a nice glaze. Elizabeth Karmel.

Before the last ten minutes of cooking, brush a center-cut fillet with your favorite barbecue sauce. This makes a simple sweet and sour glaze that gives the meat a pink sheen and a burst of flavor. This recipe works for gas, charcoal, pellet grills and even indoors if you don’t have outdoor space.

Serves 8 to 10

Cedar Planked Grilling | Weber Grills

FAQ

Can you cook salmon on the grill without a wood plank?

Yes, if you’re cooking the fish directly on the hot grates, you’ll start with the flesh side down first (skin facing you) then flip it over once after 2 to 3 minutes or when you see some grill marks on the layer touching the grates.

Why cook fish on a cedar plank?

The Benefits of Cooking Fish on a Cedar Plank Cedar planks generally don’t burn quickly. In fact, you can often use them for four or five times. While inside the grill or smoker, however, they’ll heat up to release flavorful compounds that are absorbed by the fish. It prevents your fish from sticking to the grate.

What is the advantage of cedar plank salmon?

Benefits of Grilling Salmon on a Cedar Plank While not a testament to the final meal, but the cooking process, the ability to grill fish and not worry about half of it clinging to the grates is definitely a selling point. The salmon doesn’t stick because it is grilled on the plank, which also doubles as a serving tray.

Do you need a wood plank to smoke salmon?

The most common fish to cook on a plank is salmon, but this technique works for all filets of fish. I prefer to grill fish steaks and shellfish directly on the grill but you could certainly cook them on a plank. Just make sure that you soak the plank in water for at least 30 minutes before using it.

Why do you cook salmon on a cedar plank?

The warm charred cedar plank protects the fish from the harsh flame and gently lets the salmon steam over the top. As the cedar plank warms up, the fish cooks, and the moisture of the plank rises to infuse the fish with smoky cedar flavor. As a result, the salmon takes on a beautiful grill flavor outside with a warm steamy center.

Why do you need a plank for salmon?

This essentially infuses the salmon with a fresh wood flavor and allows the fish to gently steam as the plank acts as a barrier between it and the heat source. Using a plank also gives you the option of cooking without oil because you don’t have to worry about your fish getting stuck to the grill grates and ultimately falling apart.

How do you cook salmon on a wood plank?

Take these steps to prepare before grilling salmon on a wood plank: Rinse the plank with water to remove any dust. Fill a sink or other large container with water. Submerge the plank in the water, placing a weight on it. Soak the plank 1 to 4 hours. Enhance the plank’s flavor by adding 1 tablespoon salt to the water.

How long do you cook salmon on a cedar plank?

Place the cedar plank in the center of the hot grate, away from the heat. Place the plank and salmon on the grill, close the lid and cook for 20-30 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes, looking for just cooked flaky salmon or an internal temperature of 135° F.