Imagine transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with just one incredible recipe. This Cedar Planked Salmon with Ginger Orange Compound Butter isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to a gourmet restaurant without leaving your backyard grill. With its perfect blend of smoky cedar, zesty orange, and spicy ginger, this dish promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cedar plank
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour. This will prevent the plank from catching fire while cooking and will also help to infuse the salmon with a subtle cedar flavor.
- While the cedar plank is soaking, prepare the ginger orange compound butter. In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, grated fresh ginger, and orange zest. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the cedar plank has soaked, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F to 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, ensure that the coals are evenly distributed and have turned white.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill grates and close the lid. Allow the plank to heat up for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to smoke and crackle.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. Spread a generous amount of the ginger orange compound butter over the top of each fillet.
- Close the grill lid and cook the salmon for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using tongs. Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve the salmon directly on the cedar plank or transfer to individual plates. Garnish with additional orange zest or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your flavorful cedar planked salmon with ginger orange compound butter!
Tips
- Cedar Plank Preparation: Always soak your cedar plank for at least one hour to prevent burning and enhance wood-infused flavor. Use cold water and consider adding a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Butter Technique: Ensure your butter is truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest compound butter. Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Grill Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent medium heat (350-400°F) for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches the perfect 145°F internal temperature.
- Timing is Key: Watch your salmon closely during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. The fish should be just opaque and flake easily.
- Serving Suggestion: For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon directly on the cedar plank and garnish with fresh herbs or additional orange zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 287kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 131mg
