Cedar Plank Smoked Salmon w/ Garlic Herb Spread
This Smoked Salmon with garlic herb spread is one of the best, most juicy salmon recipes you will ever try.
The cedar plank provides a subtle smoky flavor as well as a rustic presentation for the beautiful salmon.
Topping the salmon filet with a garlic herb spread creates an amazing crust to seal in the juiciness of the salmon.
Prepping The Salmon
When choosing your salmon you want to find a cut that is as thick as possible so that the salmon does not overcook while it's on the smoker.
You can buy salmon with the skin on or off. I keep the skin on because it acts as a barrier between the wood planks. The skin will stick to the plank and the salmon filet will slide right off after cooking.
If there is a thin belly piece you can trim it back so that the salmon is similar thickness on both sides.
Garlic Herb Spread
This spread can not only be used on the salmon but you can also toss your veggies with this spread and cook them alongside your salmon.
The Spread is very simple but extremely flavorful. The spread is made with mayonnaise which may sound strange but it acts as a binder and won't just melt away like butter making it a great base for the spread.
Along with the mayo I added lemon juice, italian seasoning, parmesan cheese and of coarse minced garlic.
Tips for Cooking Salmon
Salmon can be cooked in a variety of different manors from pan searling to grilling or smoking.
Using cedar planks to smoke salmon filets allows the smoke to roll over the top and sides of the fillet while protecting the button from direct heat.
This lets the salmon cook slowly, letting it absorb more flavor from the smoke.
Cedar Plank Smoked Salmon w/ Garlic Herb Spread
Ingredients
2-12oz Salmon Filets
3 Lemons
1 tbsp Minced Garlic
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan
½ cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Fine Diced Red Bell Pepper (optional)
2 tbsp Scallions (optional)
Additional Items
2 Cedar Planks
Instructions:
- Soak Cedar Planks in warm water for 30 minutes
- Prepare the garlic herb spread by whisking together minced garlic, juice and zest of 1 lemon, mayo, Italian seasoning and grated parmesan then set aside
- Slice remaining lemon into thin slices and layout on the cedar plank to about the same area as the salmon filet.
- Place the salmon filet on the sliced lemons on the cedar plank then spread half of the garlic herb spread on each piece of salmon
- Smoke For about 70 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. (for well done 160 degrees F.)
- Garnish with diced bell peppers and sliced scallions
2 comments
You can find them at most grocery stores or just order them off amazon!
Where do I get a cedar plank? This recipe looks delicious!!