grilled cedar plank salmon

Salmon

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Using a cedar plank to grill salmon is an effortless way to add enormous flavor to your dish. The fish takes on a lovely smokiness, stays wonderfully moist and the skin doesn't stick to the grates. We spiced ours up with a maple-ginger marinade and whipped up a quick side salad for a tasty, incredibly easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons grated ginger (from a 2-inch knob)
3 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 cup olive oil
four 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on (about 1 1/2 pounds)
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
one 10-ounce bag coleslaw mix
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup sesame sticks or wonton chips

Directions

Soak a cedar grill plank in water for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Preheat the grill to medium.
Mix the rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger and garlic in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly, until emulsified. Reserve 1/4 cup for the salad dressing and set aside. Pour the remaining mixture over the salmon and let marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the soaked cedar plank in the center of the preheated grill. Close the lid and let the plank heat until you hear it start to crack, about 15 minutes. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the plank. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Close the lid and cook until the salmon is opaque throughout and large flakes break off when flecked with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the plank from the grill and serve the salmon from the plank (the fish will slide right off with a metal spatula, leaving the skin behind). Discard the plank.
While the salmon is cooking, add the coleslaw mix, almonds, sesame sticks or wonton chips and the reserved dressing to a large bowl and toss until well combined. Serve alongside the salmon.