BBQ the Perfect Planked Salmon
Fish & Co. recommend using Cedar Grilling Planks to BBQ the perfect salmon. The spicy and fragrant smoke of Cedar is full-bodied and aromatic – the fusion between cedar and salmon is truly magic. Plank cooking is a healthy, fun and delicious method of BBQ cooking. You can use your Grilling Plank on the BBQ for optimal smoke flavoured results.
BBQ PLANKED SALMON RECIPE
Ingredients
– Grilling Cedar plank
– Wild Caught Salmon
– Brown sugar
– Garlic
– Salt
– Freshly ground pepper
How does planking work?
While the salmon is cooking it picks up the cedar flavour in two way –
STEAM: When the soaked plank is placed on the hot BBQ, it releases an aromatic steam which infuses the salmon with a fresh Cedar flavour.
SMOKE: Wood + Heat = Smoke. In this case, it’s rich, fragrant cedar smoke. This cures the outside of the fish, which further helps lock in the moisture. The flavour fusion between Cedar and Salmon is magical!
DON’T oil or butter the plank. Oiling the plank causes flames, excess heat and extra calories. This cooking method creates enough moisture to prevent your food from sticking to the plank.
SOAK your plank for at least 1-2 hours. Make sure it’s weighted down and fully submerged in water.
PREHEAT BBQ to heat of 200ºC- 230ºC
OCCUPY as much of the surface area of the plank, with your fish as possible.
SEASON Keep the seasoning simple. There is a nice alchemy between salmon, garlic and brown sugar. Rub the fish with freshly minced garlic. Then pack the top with a bit of brown sugar, which caramelises and helps maintain the color of the fish. Use salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
BBQ Place your plank, with the seasoned salmon on the preheated BBQ grill grate. Close the lid to keep in all the flavourful smoke and cook until the salmon is done to your liking. If your salmon fillet is an inch (2.5cm) thick, this process should take 10- 20 minutes.
EAT Remove salmon from the BBQ, slip a spatula between the fish and the skin for easy removal. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon and enjoy!
Cedar Grilling Planks can be purchased from Fish & Co.