Cedar Plank Salmon-First try

egghead4bama · February 9

Going to try to Cedar Plank this weekend. Any words of wisdom? I plan using Dizzy Pig RR for the rub and cooking @ 375 for a internal temp of 150. How long do I need to soak the planks for? Anything I need to keep an eye out for? The only experience I have with fish on the grill is Crappie in foil. I have seen several post about cooking on planks so it thought I would give it a try.

canegger · February 9

I would soak the plank for at least an hour.

Chubbs · February 9

Definitely cook indirect. Do you have a setup for indirect heat? I would soak the plank for minimum of one hour. Honestly I usually submerge mine before work and then use it after work but that is overkill. Once egg up to temp put plank on grate to start to smoke slightly. Then place salmon on. I have had better results like this. Also doesn't hurt to have spray bottle with water handy in case plank starts to catch on fire. This is why I suggested an indirect cook. Good luck. Seems harder than it is.

egghead4bama · February 9

@Chubbs... Yes I have a plate setter for indirect.

Chubbs · February 9

Perfect. Good luck with the cook and take some pics. Any idea what you are putting on the salmon?

egghead4bama · February 9

Just going to use the DP Raging River for the first time. I will adjust on the next one. I just like to keep it basic to start off. Thanks to you and canegger for the input!

BYS1981 · February 9

I thought the plank makes the cook indirect. . Anyone know for sure?

Chubbs · February 9

Sounds great. Look forward to hearing about it

Que_n_Brew · February 9

I did it tonight. Salt, pepper and EVOO. On the plank direct at 350. I soak the plank for 30 minutes on one side only (the down side). That keeps it from burning but allows the top side (which your fish is on) to get plenty of flavor from the wood. Don't have a pic from tonight but here is one from previous cook...done the same way.

SteveWPBFL · February 9

I don't soak, do spray topside with cooking spray, cook indirect at 250-300F dome, Raging River, until Salmon reaches 140F internal temp. If I have time I brine. Always have some veggies ride along on another rack.

Scottborasjr · February 9

Adding real maple syrup as a glaze at the end of the cook can really add some flavor when using raging river if you like a glazed salmon. Honey also is a nice addition. Good luck with the cook.

canegger · February 9

I have done it direct with just the plank and works good that way too. It makes it some what indirect

Skiddymarker · February 9

If doing raised direct, I soak the plank overnight, sink it with a brick. Indirect soak is still 2 or three hours. Lemon, dill, S&P - no rub for us.

GrannyX4 · February 9

I do mine raised, direct, 350 to temp of 135. I soak for at least an hour and sometimes more. Like Scottboras said, basting with honey or maple syrup gives the salmon a nice bronze color. ;;)

Lowflyer · February 9

Did it last night, always a crowd favorite. Need to try the lemon tho.

SkinnyV · February 9

How many times can u use the plank?

1429trucker · February 9

Lowflyer's looked like he had used his many times or may just burnt it up on the first go around. The cook sure looked good though.

Lowflyer · February 9

@1429trucker, it's been used 5-6 times. I go indirect most of the time so the flame doesn't hit it directly. It does look pretty charred tho.

egghead4bama · February 10

Not sure what thread used the word "robust" to describe cedar plank Salmon but IMHO it was dead on! It was good ..the wife (who does not like fish) loved it. I went indirect with the dome temp of about 395 for most of the cook. Thanks for the help! Sorry... I cant upload any pics for some reason.

Skiddymarker · February 10

egghead4bama said:

Not sure what thread used the word "robust" to describe cedar plank Salmon but IMHO it was dead on! It was good ..the wife (who does not like fish) loved it. I went indirect with the dome temp of about 395 for most of the cook. Thanks for the help! Sorry... I cant upload any pics for some reason.

Those west coast Indians (First Nations) have been onto something for centuries. Green, wet cedar is almost impossible to burn and it will split into a flat easy to serve off of platter with the dullest of tools (sharp rocks).

Once the plank has been used and dried out, it can be used for kindling.

tgkleman · February 10

What did you think of the fish at 150 IT? I normally serve at 140ish. Just wondering what you thought of the texture, taste, etc. For me, 135 IT is too mushy in the center.

burr_baby33 · February 10

I always go direct when I plank salmon. I try to get mine off the egg around 130 - 135 like Granny x 4. + 1 on the maple syrup glaze, very nice with beautiful color. Also stop by your local supplier and get a bag of alder wood chunks or chips, perfect with salmon. Cedar is not my personal preference for planking (turpentine taste). I have found alder and maple planks at lowes that I like a lot with salmon.

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Cedar Plank Salmon-First try

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