by Danie Rodriquez//
The weather has warmed up and it is the time of year for all of the family get-togethers around the grill. It seems that when we pull the grills out, we also pull out the same recipes over and over again. Burgers, chicken and ribs are great for any party, but what if we change it up a bit?
We live on the beautiful Gulf Coast and seafood is always available, so why not try something new on the grill the next time you cook out. Grilling fish can be very tricky because it tends to want to stick and fall between the grates. My recipe for grilled cedar plank salmon solves all of the issues of grilling seafood while providing a flavorful, healthy meal that is beautiful to present to family and friends.
Chef Danie’s Cedar Plank Salmon
- 2 6-ounce portions of wild caught salmon
- 1 cedar plank (not treated)
- Fresh dill
MARINADE
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 1 lemon sliced
- Mix all ingredients together for the marinade in a medium size bowl and put salmon in marinade for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak cedar planks in water for 30 minutes. Make sure to weight it down so the planks don’t float. Remove planks from water and place 1/2 of the fresh dill on top of plank and put plank on hot grill. Make sure to keep a water bottle nearby to put out any flames that occur.
- Remove salmon from marinade and place one side down on the hot grill. Cook for two minutes on that side and then flip salmon and place on cedar plank. Top with more fresh dill and lemon slices and cook for 5-6 minutes in a closed grill or tent it with foil to hold smoke in.
- Remove plank from grill and serve.
Although this recipe calls for salmon, it can be used for any of our great Gulf Coast fish as well. So next time you are grilling out, try something new and impress yourself, as well as the family and friends.