Grilled Cedar-Plank Salmon Connecticut Style

Grilled Cedar-Plank Salmon Connecticut Style

Grilled Cedar-Plank Salmon Connecticut Style

Ingredients

  • 1 large salmon fillet (skin-on, about 2 lbs.)
  • 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

  1. Soak three paper napkins with vegetable oil and place them in the grill.
  2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
  3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches searing temperature of 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

  1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
  2. Brush the marinade generously over the salmon fillet.
  3. Place the soaked cedar plank onto the Arteflame flat cooktop to preheat for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Sear and Grill

  1. Place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, on the hot cedar plank.
  2. Position the plank on the outer edges of the flat griddle cooktop where the heat is lower for even cooking.
  3. Close the grill lid if desired (note: Arteflame grills do not have lids, so this step is not necessary).
  4. Allow the salmon to grill for about 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (removing at 115°F to allow for carryover cooking).

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Carefully remove the cedar plank and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
  3. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

  • Always soak the cedar plank for at least an hour to prevent burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
  • Let the salmon rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
  • For extra flavor, add wood chips to the fire for additional smokiness.

Variations

  • Spicy Maple Glazed: Swap honey for maple syrup and add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick.
  • Garlic Herb Butter: Replace the Dijon mustard with an extra tablespoon of melted butter and add minced rosemary and thyme.
  • Asian Fusion: Replace lemon juice with soy sauce and honey with hoisin sauce.
  • Pecan-Crusted: Sprinkle crushed pecans over the salmon before grilling for a nutty texture.
  • Tangy Citrus: Use orange and lime juice instead of lemon for a bright citrusy flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling salmon on an Arteflame grill transforms it into a flavorful, smoky, and juicy masterpiece. The cedar plank imparts an extra layer of aroma, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Best Pairings

  • Grilled asparagus with lemon butter
  • Charred corn on the cob
  • Fresh arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Grilled garlic bread
  • Crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc

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