It's been a busy weekend for us, filled with lots of errand running, cleaning, reorganizing, and furniture shuffling. Abbi's birthday is coming up soon, so as an early birthday present, we got rid of her toddler bed and upgraded her to a twin bed with a new comforter/sheet ensemble. When Abbi saw her new bed all made up in her room she jumped into it and giggled, and giggled, and couldn't stop giggling. I wish I would've had my camera ready to get a video of it. It was priceless!
Speaking of my camera, I've also been taking lots of pictures this week. I'm trying to teach myself how to shoot in manual mode (you manually adjust your camera settings, like shutter speed and the aperture value) instead of auto (the camera automatically adjusts the settings for you). It's not an easy task, or at least I don't think it is anyways. We have a Nikon D90, and although I have no clue how to use it properly, I love it. Photography is something I've always loved, but lately I've developed a real passion and appreciation for it. I don't want to be a professional photographer by any means, but I'd love to be able to take amazing photos and grasp how to set up my camera properly given the lighting, weather, type of shot, etc...
I actually took this next picture (below) in manual mode (and in case you couldn't sense it through your computer screen, I'm really, really happy I was able to somewhat figure the settings out). I'm not saying this shot is perfect, because I know it's not, but it's an improvement for me, and well... I'm slightly giddy about it. If any of you photographers out there would like to critique this photo, I'd love to hear what you have to say!
As for the object of the picture above, many of you know we are very blessed to have a freezer full of Alaska wild salmon. It's one of the perks that comes along with living in this great state, along with the gorgeous views and sub-zero temperatures (my voice is laced with sarcasm re: sub-zero temps!). I try to prepare fish for dinner at least 1-3 times a week, but because we eat it so often, I have to season our salmon really well and try to switch it up as much as I can. We love our Slammin' Alaska Salmon Burgers with Garlic Dill Aioli, but there's also something to be said about a fresh grilled fillet - especially one grilled on a cedar plank.
This Lemony Cedar Planked Salmon with Garlic & Dill is especially flavorful and moist. Scoring the flesh prior to slathering on the marinade allows the flavors to easily permeate the fish. It will produce a flaky, savory, and absolutely delicious salmon fillet. And the smokiness of the cedar gives the fish just the right amount of added "wow factor." Holy yum -- it's so good!!
We enjoyed our salmon with a side of potatoes (either sweet potatoes or white potatoes would be delicious) and green beans, but you could easily pair it with a side salad and peas, steamed broccoli, a veggie stir fry, or whatever else you have on hand. Salmon is especially versatile and generally couples well with any savory side dish.
I hope you all have an incredible week!
All my love,
Megan
Lemony Cedar Planked Salmon with Garlic & Dill
This Lemony Cedar Planked Salmon with Garlic & Dill is especially flavorful and moist. Scoring the flesh prior to slathering on the marinade allows the flavors to easily permeate the fish.
Ingredients
- 1 cedar grill plank
- 2 lbs. salmon fillet with the skin on (I used Alaska Sockeye)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½-3/4 teaspoon lemon zest (depends on how lemony you want it)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee, melted
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank in cool water for at least 4 hours. Use something heavy to place on top of the plank to keep it submerged (I used a heavy drinking glass, but you could also use a heavy bottomed pan, or a brick).
- Blot the salmon off with paper towels and place the fillet skin side down on large cutting board or sheet pan. Use a fillet knife to score the flesh of the fish by making a number of shallow diagonal cuts across its surface, about an inch apart (take a look at the picture above to see how I did it).
- Use the back of a large kitchen knife to work the garlic and sea salt into a paste. Scrape the paste into a small mixing bowl, and add the dried dill, black pepper, lemon zest, mayonnaise, olive oil, and ghee. Stir together and then slather the mixture on the flesh of the salmon fillet.
- Place the cedar plank on a grill that has been preheated to high heat. Close the lid until the plank begins to smoke, about 3-5 minutes. Flip the plank over and place the salmon fillet directly on the plank. Cook on medium-high to high heat (see notes) for 15 - 25 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees (F).
Notes
Every grill is different and some are hotter than others, which is why I suggest grilling the salmon at medium-high to high heat. You want the cedar plank to produce smoke, but you don't want it to dry out or catch fire before your salmon is finished cooking (not that you ever want it to catch fire!). I started cooking my salmon fillet on medium-high, but eventually had to turn up the heat to high because it was taking too long to cook. Start out at medium-high heat. If the plank is smoking and you feel like it's doing well, leave it be. But if the plank isn't smoking and your fillet doesn't appear to be cooking fast enough, turn the heat up to high and let it finish cooking at that temperature.
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
I am a big fan of salmon. This recipe looks fantastic.
Linda @ Axiom at Home says
Wow, great recipe! I can't wait to give this a try. We purchased planks to cook our fish and haven't tried using them yet so this is really timely!
Linda
Megan says
Thank you, Linda! The cedar adds such wonderful flavor - I'm sure you'll love it!
amber says
Hi Megan,
This recipe is fantastic. I am loving all your fresh seafood recipes as of late!!! If I ever get my hands on some wild caught salmon I'm am sooo making this.
And congratulations on the bed upgrade. So exciting., I remember when my kiddos upgraded - I remember the squeals of joy. It really is so precious.
oh, and Meg, your picture is gorgeous of that salmon. I don't know the first thing about photography...I always think your pictures look fantastic my friend.
Have a great rest of your week...and keep these awesome seafood recipes coming!!
xo,
--Amber
GiGiEatsCelebrities.com says
SALMON! The love of my life. He looks fantastically photogenic 😉
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says
Awesome photography Megan-wow, I would love to know half the amazing things you know about the camera! Congrats on your daughter's new bed. Our kids must have close October birthdays 🙂
I spent $17 on sale for Wild Alaskan Salmon today-craaazy! Wish I could come have some of your local salmon!!
Laura says
Hi there! Was just wondering if the ghee is absolutely essential to this recipe? I don't have any and I don't know where to get any.
Thanks!
L
Megan says
Hi Laura,
The ghee does add wonderful flavor, but you certainly could replace it with another tablespoon of olive oil.
😉 Megan
Megan Garcia says
Is there something else that I could use instead of Dill my husband is not a fan of Dill!!??
Megan says
Hi Megan,
I'd imagine your favorite blend of herbs would be great - or a blend of 1/4 tsp dried thyme and 1/4 tsp dried rosemary, or chives, or even parsley. 😉
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
This looks yummy, now I need to get a cedar grill plank 🙂
Theresa says
Looks yum! Pic is nice, I would focus on the part of the fillet closest to the eye, but that's just me. Thanks for the post!
Molly says
I just had to thank you for sharing this incredible recipe! I found this recipe nearly 6 months ago and made it one night for my family... needless to say this recipe was life changing. By following the recipe exactly no matter how many times we have made salmon this way it has turned out perfect every single time. I am not exaggerating when I say that this recipe is better than any restaurant prepared salmon I have ever had. It is such a favorite in my household that when we stocked up on fresh wild caught salmon we made it weekly for nearly the entire summer. Even our toddler loves salmon prepared this way and will eat a large portion of the fillet all by himself. So thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Jamie says
I tried this recipe almost 2 years ago and it immediately became a family favorite! My boyfriend still to this day says it's the best salmon he's ever had! Amazingly delicious recipe! I highly recommend it!
Megan says
Aww.... thanks, Jamie! I'm so glad you all enjoyed it!
Billy says
This looks so interesting! I've never cooked salmon using a cedar plank before, it seems like it could add such an interesting flavor! I love that you added dill to the recipe too, it is one of my favorite herbs to have with fish. They pair together so well! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Megan says
Hi Billy, thank you so much! Sounds like you need to get some cedar planks and give this recipe a go! 🙂
Erica Hart says
This is a fantastic recipe! We add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat too. It is our go to salmon recipe. We also never have ghee and just use 1 T of butter.
Megan says
Awesome! Thanks, Erica. 😉 I'm so glad you think so! Love your addition of red pepper flakes.