Cedar Planked Salmon with Maple Glaze and Mustard Mashed Potatoes

Cedar Planked Salmon with Maple Glaze: A Weeknight Delight

As a busy working mom, finding time to create delicious and healthy meals can often feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands on my time, I need recipes that are both impressive and easy. This cedar-planked salmon with maple glaze fits the bill perfectly. It's elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers. The cedar plank adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the salmon to a whole new level. The maple glaze, with its sweet and savory notes, complements the richness of the salmon perfectly. And let's not forget the creamy, tangy mustard mashed potatoes – the ideal accompaniment to this delightful dish.

I discovered this recipe while browsing through a food blog, and I was immediately drawn to the stunning presentation and the promise of a flavorful meal. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how quickly it came together. The prep work is minimal, and the cooking time is surprisingly short. It's a recipe that truly delivers on its promise of ease and elegance.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple glaze for a touch of heat, or I’ll incorporate fresh dill into the mashed potatoes for an extra burst of freshness. The possibilities are truly endless.

This recipe has quickly become a staple in our household. My family absolutely loves it, and it’s a meal that always impresses guests. It’s a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a memorable and delicious meal. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding, and this cedar-planked salmon is a perfect example of that.

Beyond the ease and flavor, this recipe also offers a healthy and nutritious meal. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. It’s a great source of protein, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The addition of vegetables, such as scallions, adds essential vitamins and minerals to your diet, creating a well-rounded and satisfying culinary experience.

So, if you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and impressive meal to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving this cedar-planked salmon with maple glaze and mustard mashed potatoes a try. It's a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite, and one that will leave you feeling satisfied and impressed with your culinary skills, even on the busiest of days. Trust me; it's worth every minute!

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients. The focus is on quality over quantity, ensuring that each component enhances the overall taste of the dish.

For the Maple Glaze:

• Pure Maple Syrup: This forms the base of the sweet and savory glaze.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides a vibrant tanginess that cuts through the sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the flavor profile.
• Minced Garlic: Contributes a savory and pungent aroma.
• Gingerroot: Offers a subtle spicy warmth that complements the other ingredients.

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Filets: Fresh, high-quality salmon is essential for optimal taste and texture.
• Scallions: Their delicate onion flavor and vibrant green color add visual appeal and subtle taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.

For the Mustard Mashed Potatoes:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when mashed.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard adds a tangy kick to the mashed potatoes.
• Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
• Milk or Cream: Adds moisture and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Enjoy this delightful meal! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Step-by-step

• In a small heavy saucepan simmer maple syrup, gingerroot, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste until reduced to about 1 cup, about 30 minutes, and let cool. (Maple glaze may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring maple glaze to room temperature before proceeding.)
• Preheat oven to 350° F. If using cedar plank, lightly oil and heat in middle of oven 15 minutes; or lightly oil a shallow baking pan large enough to hold salmon.
• Arrange scallion greens in one layer on plank or in baking pan to form a bed for fish.
• In another small saucepan heat half of glaze over low heat until heated through to use as a sauce. Stir in remaining tablespoon lemon juice. Remove pan from heat and keep sauce warm, covered.
• Put salmon, skin side down, on scallion greens and brush with remaining glaze. Season salmon with salt and pepper and roast in middle of oven until just cooked through, about 20 minutes if using baking pan or about 35 if using plank.
• Cut salmon crosswise into 6 pieces. On each of 6 plates arrange salmon and scallion greens on a bed of mashed potatoes. Drizzle salmon with warm sauce.