Meatless Monday: Cedar Plank Salmon

If you're getting tired of the same-old, same-old protein on the grill (chicken and burgers); then maybe it's time to try something different! And we have just the Cool Dads approved recipe for you to try. Last week the Wisconsin Test Kitchen celebrated one of the first warm weekends of the year by attempting cedar plank salmon. 

It was a win/win/win all the way around:

1) The salmon was delicious, with a nice, smoky flavor the plank helped to infuse. 
2) It was easy (literally- soak a plank for a few hours, put the salmon on it and grill. Boom). 
3) You get to grill. What Cool Dad doesn't love a grilling recipe?

*For this recipe, you will need a cedar grilling plank (you can find them at Home Depot, Lowe's, or your local hardware store near the grilling section. Amazon has a nice selection as well: 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_12?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=cedar+planks&sprefix=cedar+planks%2Caps%2C290
You will need to soak the plank for an hour to two hours before grilling. The soaking is what prevents your plank from starting on fire, and ruining your fish. We know of what we speak. 

Cedar Plank Salmon

1lb. fresh salmon, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, or seasonings of your choice (you don't want to add too many seasonings, since the plank is going to impart most of the flavor)

Set the grill up for medium heat. 
Place the plank directly over the coals, and place the salmon on- skin side down. 

Grill for approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. Don't worry about turning the fish over, or anything like that while grilling. You'll know it's ready when the "cream" (or the white stuff) starts to rise out of the fish). 

Serve with your favorite grilled vegetables. We went with fresh zucchini and roasted potatoes. It was a perfect light, spring dinner. 

And we're suddenly glad we have a stockpile of more cedar planks! 

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew