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
- Soak three paper napkins with vegetable oil and place them in the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
- 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
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the marinade generously over the salmon fillet.
- Place the soaked cedar plank onto the Arteflame flat cooktop to preheat for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Sear and Grill
- Place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, on the hot cedar plank.
- Position the plank on the outer edges of the flat griddle cooktop where the heat is lower for even cooking.
- Close the grill lid if desired (note: Arteflame grills do not have lids, so this step is not necessary).
- 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
- Carefully remove the cedar plank and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
- 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