Cedar Plank-Grilled Pacific King Salmon with Cilantro Pesto Pandee Pearson, Executive Chef-Adelina’s Bistro & Marketplace
Serves 4 For the Salmon: 4, 6-8 oz portions of salmon, preferably local wild King salmon. (Or one larger pieceskin on or off) Olive oil Salt Fresh cracked pepper Lightly coat salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place salmon on cedar plank “skin side” down. For the Cilantro Pesto: 1 C extra virgin olive oil 1 C rough chop cilantro 1 clove garlic ¼ C pepitas (pumpkin seeds) lightly toasted Juice of half lime Jalapeno-amount is up to you Salt and pepper to taste Place first four ingredients in blender or small food processor and completely puree. Add lime juice, jalapeno, salt and pepper to taste. ***This technique is for OUTSIDE gas or charcoal plank-grilling. You will be grilling on wood planks cooking with aromatic smoke using indirect heat. For the Cedar Planks: I use UNTREATED 1x8 construction grade cedar cut to the length of the amount of salmon you wish to cook. (I cut mine in 10 inch lengths for two 8 oz filets) Soaking the Planks: Presoak cedar planks for at least one hour, but preferably longer, up to overnight. Weigh down planks with heavy cans or stones to completely submerge the wood in water. Safety First: Three very important items to have on hand. 1. Full spray bottle of water on hand to extinguish flames that creep round the edge of the plank. 2. Bucket of water beside the grill to plunge the plank in after you’ve removed the cooked salmon. 3. Portable fire extinguisher. On your outdoor gas grill: Turn gas on to high heat. Place planks (loaded up with salmon) on grill and close lid. Your grill will turn into an oven/smoker. Cooking time required will vary depending on the size of the salmon. Be careful when you are lifting the grill lid, the burning plank will produce a lot of smoke. Try to keep the lid closed as much as possible as not to lower the temperature inside the grill. When salmon is cooked, remove fish from plank and plunge wood into bucket of water. To serve: Serve cedar planked salmon topped with cilantro pesto. Enjoy!