When it comes to salmon I say the simpler the better. I mean, I would definitely not say no to a great piece of fish that’s flavored well, but when it comes to cooking at home for my family I really like to get a great cut of salmon and season it simply, letting the flavor of the fish shine through.
I made this for dinner last week and literally could not stop my mouth from watering while it cooked! The cedar planks are definitely key to this really yummy and subtly-flavored salmon, but it really does make all the difference. The key, though, is that you really really really (emphasis on the REALLY) need to soak them for a long time. See, we’re cooking the salmon in the oven rather than on a grill, so if you don’t want the wood to smoke and set off your smoke detectors and cause a scene? You gotta soak the wood. Like all day.
I actually threw my two cedar planks in the bathtub, placed rocks on top of them, and filled up the tub with cold water. I’ve also heard of doing the same thing in a cooler, but really whatever fits your cedar planks will work just fine!
I’m thinking this would be a really great main dish to serve for company, but let’s be honest – I’d serve it any time to anyone!
OVEN-ROASTED HONEY GARLIC CEDAR PLANK SALMON
- 1 pound fresh wild-caught salmon filets
- 2 cedar planks, cut to fit a baking sheet (mine were about 6- x 11-inches apiece)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
First you’ll want to soak your cedar planks a minimum of 5-6 hours to keep them from smoking in the oven. To do this, find a place they can lay flat and be completely submerged in water. Once the planks have been soaked, remove them from the water and place them on a large baking sheet. Place the salmon skin side down on the cedar planks. Very finely paste the garlic. Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper, then rub with the pasted garlic. Drizzle with honey. Place in the oven at 500 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, just until the salmon is done and flaky. Serve hot.
Shanna@ pineapple and coconut says
Love Salmon. We grill it either on our gas grill or with our charcoal grill. Sometimes we use different wood chips to smoke it and we have used cedar planks too. Salmon is just so good!! Never tried using the planks in the oven before though – pretty genius!
Ashley Leigh says
I came over from the “Inspire Me Please” blog party!
I love this and it looks so amazingly good! Salmon is one of my favorite foods. Delish!
Heather says
Welcome Ashley!!! I’m so glad you stopped by – I hope you try this and love it!
Carla says
I’m glad you can make these in the oven because it’s something on my bucket list, and I don’t grill a whole lot.
Heather says
Yay! I hope you try and love it Carla!
Shawn @ IWYD says
I love cedar plank salmon! I am totally pinning this recipe cause Coho season is just about to start here in Canada and I can’t wait to try this! 🙂
Heather says
DROOL – Coho is SO amazing!
Megan (Braise The Roof) says
This salmon looks perfect! Salmon is by far my favorite fish and I agree – simple is the way to go!
Teresa says
i love salmon!!! thanks for posting this. i always forget the soaking step and end up with a camp fire in my oven… i should do better at reading instructions!
Tieghan says
I have never done cedar planks, but I love salmon and have always wanted to try. This is gorgeous, Heather! Totally impressive!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pnch says
How awesome is this?!? I love how you cooked this salmon! It is very 5 star restaurant!!!
Heather says
Oh Robyn, you make me feel so fancy 😉
cassie says
This is brilliant – cedar planks in the oven. I love it! Salmon is one my top favorite foods!
Heather says
Same here Cassie! I could eat it all.the.time.