If you're looking for a delicious and impressive dish to cook on your Big Green Egg, look no further than cedar plank smoked salmon. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of the grill with the rich and buttery taste of salmon. The cedar plank adds an extra layer of flavor and helps to keep the fish moist as it cooks. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of cooking cedar plank smoked salmon on the Big Green Egg, from soaking the planks to serving up a perfectly cooked fillet.
Soaking the Cedar Planks
Before you get started, you'll need to soak your cedar planks. Soaking the planks helps to prevent them from catching fire on the grill and also adds a subtle cedar flavor to the salmon. To soak the planks, simply place them in a pan, cover them with water, and let them soak for at least one hour. This will ensure that the planks are thoroughly saturated and ready to use.
Preparing the Salmon
While the planks are soaking, it's time to prepare the salmon. Start by whisking together mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and thyme in a small bowl. This mixture will serve as a glaze for the salmon, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to complement the smoky flavors.
Once the planks are soaked and the glaze is ready, it's time to preheat your Big Green Egg. Set the EGG for direct cooking and preheat it to 400°F/204°C. This high heat will help to create a nice sear on the salmon while still allowing it to cook through evenly.
Cooking the Salmon
Now that everything is prepped and ready to go, it's time to cook the salmon. Place the cedar planks on the grid of the Big Green Egg and close the lid. Let the planks preheat for 3 minutes to ensure they're nice and hot. After 3 minutes, open the lid and carefully turn the planks over. Brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking and place two salmon fillets on each plank. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then generously brush them with the honey glaze.
Close the lid of the Big Green Egg and let the salmon cook for 12 to 15 minutes for medium doneness. The high heat of the grill will create a beautiful crust on the outside of the fish while keeping the inside moist and tender. Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks to prevent it from overcooking.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove the planks from the grill. Garnish the salmon with fresh thyme for an extra pop of flavor and serve it immediately. The combination of the smoky cedar, the tender and flaky salmon, and the sweet and tangy glaze is sure to impress your guests.
This recipe serves 4, but feel free to adjust the quantities to accommodate your needs. Serve the cedar plank smoked salmon with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Can I reuse the cedar planks?
- Can I use a different type of fish?
- Can I cook cedar plank salmon on a gas grill?
Yes, you can reuse cedar planks for multiple cookouts. After using them, simply clean them with warm water and a brush, then let them dry completely before storing them for future use.
While this recipe specifically calls for salmon, you can certainly try it with other types of fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different fish may require different cooking times.
Yes, you can cook cedar plank salmon on a gas grill. Simply follow the same instructions for soaking the planks and cooking the salmon, adjusting the temperature settings on your gas grill as needed.
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to fire up your Big Green Egg and get cooking. Enjoy the delicious flavors of cedar plank smoked salmon, and impress your friends and family with your grilling skills. Happy cooking!
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