Today we are going to learn how to make cedar plank cajun salmon. That’s right folks, cedar plank cajun salmon, the world-renowned fusion dish that is everyone’s favorite go-to meal. No, you’ve never heard of it? Ok, you’re right the recipes not world-famous, it’s just something I came up with a couple of years ago.
Originally I got the inspiration for cedar plank cajun salmon (man I need to think of a better name) from my two favorite ways to prepare fish, blackening with cajun seasoning, and grilling over a cedar plank. And whenever I have to make a decision between my two favorite ways to prepare something, I usually say to myself “why not just combine the two? I mean what could possibly go wrong?”. Well if I’m being honest it often goes wrong, very, very wrong. But, as with many things in life, sometimes you simply have to play the game enough times, and eventually, you’ll win. And my latest win folks is cedar plank cajun salmon. So if you are like me, and enjoy trying out new flavor combinations then give this one a go, it will quickly become one of your favorites.
Now, since this is a fairly simple recipe (only three ingredients), there really is only one thing that we need to discuss, the fish. While today’s rendition of the recipe uses salmon, you should understand that I am really only using it as an example. So, if you are not in the mood for salmon, or you plain just don’t like salmon, then please, feel free to substitute it with whatever other fish you prefer.
Personally, I’ve tried this flavor combination with trout, halibut, and even rockfish, and guess what, every time it turned out great. That’s because the key to this recipe isn’t what fish you are using, but rather the combination of cajun seasoning, and cedar plank smoke. However, if you do go with salmon then I recommend that you purchase the whole fillet and cut it up yourself. Not only is buying the whole fillet often cheaper, but I have also found that it is generally better tasting. But hey, that’s just my two cents. Also if you have never cooked anything over cedar planks, then I recommend that you first check out my lesson on how to use them before you start cooking.
Cajun Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 1 to 4 hours (mainly for soaking the cedar planks)
Cook Time: 15 to 30 minutes (depending on how well done you prefer your salmon)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 Fillet of Salmon (or about 1 ½ to 2 pounds of whatever fish you prefer)
1 to 2 Lemons (thinly sliced)
Your favorite Cajun seasoning
1 to 2 Cedar Planks
Instructions
- Prepare the cedar planks
- Preheat your grill to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Assemble the salmon on the cedar planks: Wash and clean the salmon fillet, and cut it up into equal portions.
Next, place the salmon pieces on your cedar planks, and dust each piece of salmon with the cajun seasoning. The amount of cajun seasoning you use to dust your salmon portions can vary depending on how spicy the seasoning is, and how spicy you prefer your food, the dusting. So it can either be very liberal or minor. Finally, place enough slices of the lemon over each serving of salmon so that the tops are pretty much covered.
- Grill: Place the planks on your preheated grill and close it.
Now depending on how well done you prefer your salmon the grilling time can go anywhere from 15 minutes (for lightly done), upwards to 30 minutes (for well done). Just make sure to check the planks every 7 to 10 minutes to make sure that they haven’t caught on fire. 
Once the fish is done to your liking, simply take a spatula and lift each portion off of the wood planks and onto a plate.
- Serve & enjoy
Cajun Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Fillet of Salmon or about 1 ½ to 2 pounds of whatever fish you prefer
- 1 to 2 Lemons thinly sliced
- Your favorite Cajun seasoning
- 1 to 2 Cedar Planks
Instructions
- Prepare the cedar planks
- Preheat your grill to about 350 degrees fahrenheit
- Assemble the salmon on the cedar planks: Wash and clean the salmon fillet, and cut it up into equal portions. Next, place the salmon pieces on your cedar planks, and dust each piece of salmon with the cajun seasoning. The amount of cajun seasoning you use to dust your salmon portions can vary depending on how spicy the seasoning is, and how spicy you prefer your food, the dusting. So it can either be very liberal or minor. Finally, place enough slices of the lemon over each serving of salmon so that the tops are pretty much covered.
- Grill: Place the planks on your preheated grill and close it. Now depending on how well done you prefer your salmon the grilling time can go anywhere from 15 minutes (for lightly done), upwards to 30 minutes (for well done). Just make sure to check the planks every 7 to 10 minutes to make sure that they haven’t caught on fire. Once the fish is done to your liking, simply take a spatula and lift each portion off of the wood planks and onto a plate.
Inspiration from other blogs
From Primavera Kitchen
From Kitchen and Vine
