| Grilled salmon is a summer favorite, but truly fresh | | | | you need to make sure it is soaked enough that it is |
| salmon can be quite delicate, with a tendency to | | | | a grilling tool, rather than grilling fuel. This step can be |
| flake apart the moment you try to turn it or take it | | | | an extra opportunity to spice up your board. If it |
| off the grill. This is a sign of quality, but can be | | | | works with the recipe you have chosen, try adding |
| frustrating for the grill master. The simple solution is | | | | some cider or white wine to the soaking water, or |
| to use cedar planks for grilling. Cedar plank salmon | | | | perhaps include some fresh herbs in the brew. |
| not only makes the grilling process foolproof, but the | | | | When your plank has emerged from its bath and |
| subtle flavors of the wood have a delightful affect | | | | been patted dry with paper towels, give it a good |
| on your finished product. Here are some explanations | | | | rub with olive oil, and possibly a bit of sea salt or |
| and suggestions for how to grill salmon on cedar | | | | other seasoning. You can also give your salmon a nice |
| planks. | | | | bed to lie on - try putting down a layer of lemon |
| The first step is picking out the proper cedar planks | | | | slices or green onions. Preparing the fish in this fashion |
| for grilling. Although technically it is fine to go to your | | | | provides many chances to layer in subtle flavors, but |
| local lumber store and have some rough planks cut | | | | resist the urge to use any overpowering seasonings. |
| up for you, you need to be absolutely sure that the | | | | The sweet, woody hint of the cedar should still come |
| wood hasn't not been through any kind of chemical | | | | through in your finished dish. |
| treatment, and of course you want to have a | | | | Prepare your salmon according to the recipe you |
| smooth enough board that it won't give your salmon | | | | have chosen. Arrange it on the plank, and then place |
| (and hence diners) slivers. If you have a good lumber | | | | the plank over indirect heat on the grill. Close the lid |
| source, go for it. If not, we recommend you buy | | | | and wait, but start checking it regularly after 10 |
| cedar planks specifically intended for grilling. These are | | | | minutes. You should not flip the salmon, just watch |
| sold at many local kitchen stores, and are widely | | | | as the meat starts to turn opaque, and take it off |
| available online. | | | | when it has changed all the way through. Cedar |
| Once you have the wood for your salmon, you need | | | | planks for grilling take the trouble out of the |
| to prepare it. Before grilling, the wood should be | | | | equation, and add a wonderful, natural flavor to your |
| soaked for 30 minutes to two hours. Remember, you | | | | meal. |
| are going to be placing this directly on the grill, and | | | | |