Planked Grilled Salmon with Tarragon Herbs

By Foodiewife

I've always wanted to try grilling fish on a cedar plank, and I finally got to do it. It's very easy to do, and makes a beautiful presentation. The best part is that it's not a lot of hard work. The flavor of the fish has a subtle taste of wood, and the fish turns out moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 cedar plank (6 by 14 inches)
• 2 salmon fillets (1 1/2 pounds total)*
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• My plank was slightly smaller; just adjust the salmon to fit the size of the plank.
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped tarragon (Italian Parsley is a good substitute)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot (about 1/2 small)
• 1 small clove fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Details

Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 30mins
Adapted from foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

FOR THE HERBS:
In a small bowl, mix the fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, shallot and garlic. Zest 1/2 of the lemon, and add to the herb mixture. Set aside.

Soak cedar plank in salted water for 2 hours, then drain.
Pat the excess water from the plank, then brush it with a thin layer of vegetable oil
Slice the lemon in to 1/4" thick, and layer across the plank as a "bed" for the salmon.
Remove skin from salmon fillet. Rinse the salmon under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides.
Lay the salmon (on what was skin-side down) on the cedar plank and lemon slices.

Set grill for indirect grilling and heat to medium-high. Have a spray bottle of water neaby.
Place the cedar plank in the center of the hot grate, away from the heat. Cover the grill and cook until almost cooked through, around 15 to 20 minutes.

Spoon the herb mixture on top of the salmon, cover on the grill, and continue to grill until the internal temperature should read 135 degrees F. Transfer the salmon and plank to a platter and serve right off the plank.

NOTE: If the edges of the plank start to catch fire, mist with water, or move the plank to a cooler part of the grill.

Throw away the plank-- or break it up, soak it in water and use it as wood chips to infuse more flavor into your next grilled meat.