When it comes to culinary traditions, few things are more emblematic of Canada than the great outdoors. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the pristine lakes of Ontario, Canada is a country celebrated for its natural beauty and abundance of fresh, flavorful ingredients. One of the country's most iconic culinary techniques is cedar planking, a method that involves cooking food on a wooden plank over an open flame. While cedar planking can be used with a variety of different proteins, one of ...
When it comes to culinary traditions, few things are more emblematic of Canada than the great outdoors. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the pristine lakes of Ontario, Canada is a country celebrated for its natural beauty and abundance of fresh, flavorful ingredients. One of the country's most iconic culinary techniques is cedar planking, a method that involves cooking food on a wooden plank over an open flame. While cedar planking can be used with a variety of different proteins, one of the most beloved and well-known applications is Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon.
This mouthwatering dish incorporates the natural flavors of the Pacific Northwest, where cedar planking has been used for centuries by Indigenous communities to cook and preserve fish. The fragrant, smoky aroma of cedar infuses the salmon with a uniquely Canadian taste that is both rustic and elegant. In this recipe, we'll take you through the process of preparing and grilling Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon, allowing you to experience the time-honored culinary tradition for yourself.
First and foremost, the key to making Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon is sourcing the freshest, highest-quality fish available. Whether you catch it yourself or purchase it from your local fishmonger, look for wild-caught salmon, as it tends to be more flavorful and sustainable than its farmed counterparts. Once you have your salmon, you'll need to select a cedar plank for grilling. The plank should be untreated and food-safe, and it's essential to soak it in water for at least an hour prior to cooking to prevent it from catching fire on the grill.
The beauty of Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon lies in its simplicity. While the flavors are rich and complex, the preparation is remarkably straightforward. A basic seasoning of salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of maple syrup or a squeeze of lemon is all that's needed to enhance the salmon's natural taste. Once you've seasoned the fish, it's time to place it on the soaked cedar plank and transfer it to the grill. The heat from the grill will cause the plank to smolder, infusing the salmon with the sweet, earthy essence of cedar as it cooks.
As the salmon grills, you'll be rewarded with the enticing aromas of wood smoke and sizzling fish, creating an experience that is as much about the senses as it is about the flavors. Whether you're serving Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon at a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests and transport them to the heart of Canada's wilderness with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor the unparalleled taste of Canadian Cedar Planked Salmon.