Sweet Citrus Rubbed Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Since the salmon cooks slowly, cedar plank salmon is ridiculously tender, incredibly moist and so flavorful. We love this sweet citrus rub. It works beautifully with the woodsy cedar smoke the salmon soaks up from the plank below. Hands-on time for this recipe is pretty low, the extra 2 hours called for in the prep time is for soaking the cedar plank in water.
Since the salmon cooks slowly, cedar plank salmon is ridiculously tender, incredibly moist and so flavorful. We love this sweet citrus rub. It works beautifully with the woodsy cedar smoke the salmon soaks up from the plank below. Hands-on time for this recipe is pretty low, the extra 2 hours called for in the prep time is for soaking the cedar plank in water.
- Carbohydrate 121.331005002892 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.22699375 g
- Fiber 1.36717495250702 g
- Protein 0.370995000003538 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0384425 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (260g)
- Sodium 155.100450000826 mg
- Sugar 119.963830050385 g
- Trans Fat 0.0446425 g
- Calories 468 calories
Step-by-step
- Stir brown sugar, lemon zest, salt, smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Rinse salmon with cool water. Pat very dry.
- Scatter spice rub over the salmon and gently massage into the fish. Swipe the skin-side of the salmon through any spice rub that’s fallen to the cutting board.
- Set aside 15 minutes to marinate.
- Prepare a grill, with heat medium and rack about 4 inches from the fire.
- When ready to cook the salmon, place the cedar plank on the grill over direct heat, cover and leave it there until you can smell smoke, about 5 minutes.
- Turn the plank over, scatter thyme sprigs over plank then place salmon on top of the thyme.
- Cover the grill and cook until salmon is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. The salmon is done when an instant-read thermometer registers 135 degrees F.
- Once the salmon is on the grill, place lemon halves, cut-side-down, onto grill grates and cook until softened and lightly browned around the edges.
- Serve alongside salmon.
Sweet Citrus Rubbed Cedar Plank Salmon: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to get dinner on the table before everyone melts down. But even amidst the chaos, I strive to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. This Sweet Citrus Rubbed Cedar Plank Salmon recipe has become a lifesaver. It's elegant enough for a special occasion, yet simple enough to whip up on a Tuesday night.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers. The cedar plank infuses the salmon with a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the bright, zesty citrus rub. The salmon itself cooks slowly and evenly on the plank, resulting in a succulent, moist fillet that's incredibly tender. It’s truly a flavor explosion in every bite. And the best part? Minimal hands-on time is required! The longer soaking time for the cedar plank is mostly passive preparation.
Why this recipe works for busy lives:
- Minimal Prep Time: The actual hands-on preparation time for this recipe is surprisingly short. Most of the time is spent marinating and letting the cedar plank soak, which you can do while you tackle other tasks.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking on a cedar plank keeps things simple. Cleanup is a breeze!
- Healthy and Delicious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for the whole family.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks beautiful, which is a bonus when you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Adaptable: Feel free to adjust the spice rub to your liking. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature flavor profile.
Beyond the practical aspects, this dish brings a sense of calm to my otherwise chaotic evenings. The aroma of cedar and citrus fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a small act of self-care, a moment of mindful cooking in the midst of the whirlwind of daily life. The process of preparing this dish, from soaking the plank to carefully placing the salmon, is meditative. It's a small break in the day dedicated to creating something delicious and nourishing for myself and my family. And that, in itself, is worth more than any other recipe could offer.
I highly recommend this Sweet Citrus Rubbed Cedar Plank Salmon recipe to anyone looking for a flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal. It's a delicious escape from the everyday grind, and a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always time to savor a truly special meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
- Substitute other citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruit, for the lemon.
- Add other vegetables to the grill, such as asparagus or bell peppers, for a complete meal.
- If you don't have a grill, you can cook the salmon on a cedar plank in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.
Enjoy!
