Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon is a traditional Native American dish from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is made by cooking salmon on a cedar plank, which imparts a unique smoky flavor to the fish. The salmon is typically seasoned with herbs and spices, such as rosemary and thyme, and then grilled or baked on the cedar plank until it is cooked through.

The tradition of cooking salmon on a cedar plank dates back centuries and was an important part of the diet of indigenous people in the Pacific Northwest. Cedar is a abundant tree species in the region and its strong, aromatic wood made it an ideal choice for cooking.

Today, Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon is a popular dish in the Pacific Northwest and is often served at special occasions, such as weddings, family gatherings, and outdoor barbecues. It is also widely available at restaurants and can be found in many grocery stores.

	Ingredients:
1	1 cedar plank
2	1 salmon fillet (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
3	2 tablespoons olive oil
4	1 tablespoon lemon juice
5	Salt and pepper, to taste
6	1 teaspoon dried thyme
7	1 teaspoon dried rosemary
8	1 clove of garlic, minced

Step-by-step cooking instructions of Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:

Step-1 Soak the cedar plank in water for at least an hour to prevent it from burning.

Step-2 Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).

Step-3 In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper.

Step-4 Place the salmon fillet on the cedar plank and brush it with the mixture.

Step-5 Put the plank with the salmon on the grill, cover and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step-6 Serve the salmon hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutritional value of Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:

Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon is a nutritious and healthy dish, rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. The following are some of this dish’s main nutritional advantages:

1	Protein: With all the necessary essential amino acids your body need, salmon is a fantastic source of high-quality protein. A 4-ounce serving of salmon provides about 20 to 25 grams of protein.
2	Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and brain function. These essential fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions.
3	Vitamin D: Salmon is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and a healthy immune system.
4	B Vitamins: Salmon is a good source of B vitamins, including B12, B6, and niacin, which are important for energy production, mental health, and skin health.
5	Minerals: Salmon is a good source of minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are important for strong bones, healthy muscles, and a healthy immune system.

Background History of Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:

Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon has a long and rich history dating back to the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. These people have been cooking salmon on cedar planks for centuries, as cedar was a plentiful resource in the region and provided a strong, aromatic wood that was ideal for cooking.

The tradition of cooking salmon on a cedar plank was an important part of the diet of indigenous people in the Pacific Northwest, who relied on salmon as a staple food source. Cedar planks not only added a unique smoky flavor to the fish but also helped to preserve it by preventing it from drying out during cooking.

Over time, this tradition was adopted by settlers in the region, who continued to cook salmon on cedar planks and passed it down from generation to generation. Today, Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon is a popular dish in the Pacific Northwest and is widely enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

The dish has become a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage and is often served at special occasions, such as weddings, family gatherings, and outdoor barbecues. It is also widely available at restaurants and can be found in many grocery stores, making it a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the taste of the Pacific Northwest.

	Advantages of Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:
1	Aromatic Flavor: The cedar wood used in this cooking method imparts a unique, smoky and aromatic flavor to the salmon.
2	Easy to Cook: This cooking method is quite simple and requires minimal preparation time. You just need to season the salmon and place it on a cedar plank, and then grill or bake it.
3	Health Benefits: Cedar plank salmon is a healthy meal option as it is baked or grilled, which means it requires minimal use of oil, leading to fewer calories and healthier eating.
4	Versatile: You can add various spices, herbs, or marinades to the salmon to create a wide range of flavors and taste profiles.

	Disadvantages of Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:
1	Cost: Cedar planks can be quite expensive, especially if you want high-quality ones.
2	Availability: Cedar planks may not be easily available in all locations, and you may have to order them online or purchase them from specialty stores.
3	Fire Hazard: When cooking on a cedar plank, there is a risk of the plank catching fire if it is not properly prepared or handled.
4	Environmental Concerns: Cedar planks are made from wood, and their production can have negative environmental impacts if the trees used are not sustainably sourced.
5	Maintenance: Cedar planks need to be properly cleaned and stored after use to ensure they last and are ready for future use.

Compare with similar meal Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:

Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon is a dish that involves grilling or baking salmon fillets on a cedar plank. Some similar dishes include:

1	Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter: This is a simple dish that involves grilling salmon fillets and topping them with a mixture of melted butter and fresh herbs.
2	Baked Salmon with Lemon and Thyme: This dish involves baking salmon fillets in a lemon and thyme sauce, which adds flavor and moisture to the fish.
3	Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard Glaze: This dish involves brushing salmon fillets with a mixture of honey, mustard, and spices, and then grilling them until they are crispy on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside.
4	Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Butter: This dish involves pan-searing salmon fillets in a mixture of butter and garlic, which adds flavor and richness to the fish.
5	Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce: This dish involves poaching salmon fillets in a flavorful broth, and serving them with a sauce made from fresh dill, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.

Mostly questions asked about Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon:

Q: What is Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon?

A: Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon is a dish that involves grilling or baking salmon fillets on a cedar plank. This method of cooking imparts a unique smoky flavor to the fish and helps keep it moist and tender.

Q: What are the benefits of cooking salmon on a cedar plank?

A: Cooking salmon on a cedar plank imparts a unique smoky flavor to the fish and helps keep it moist and tender. Additionally, the cedar plank helps prevent the fish from sticking to the grill or baking sheet, making it easier to cook and serve.

Q: What type of cedar plank is best for cooking salmon?

A: Aromatic cedar planks are the best type of cedar plank for cooking salmon. They are untreated, food-safe, and release a pleasant, smoky aroma when heated.

Q: How long does it take to cook Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon?

A: The cooking time for Washington’s Cedar Plank Salmon will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the heat of the grill or oven. On average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to grill salmon on a cedar plank, or 15-20 minutes to bake it in the oven.

Q: Can I marinate the salmon before cooking it on the cedar plank?

A: Yes, you can marinate the salmon before cooking it on the cedar plank. Marinating the salmon in a mixture of your choice of flavors, such as lemon juice, herbs, and spices, for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will help infuse the salmon with even more flavor.

Q: What is special about Cedar plank salmon?

A: Salmon is richer and more complex thanks to the subtle smokey flavor that the cedar plank imparts. It’s wonderful! Salmon filets cooked on a cedar plank also eliminate the worry that the fish would fall through the grill (which is another reason I adore grilled salmon in foil).

Q: What temperature should cedar plank salmon be?

A: Away from the fire, position the cedar plank in the middle of the hot grate. Cook under the grill cover for 20 to 30 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly done. The interior should be 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve the salmon straight off the board after transferring it to a dish.

Q: Who invented cedar plank salmon?

A: Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest developed this tasty preparation technique centuries before the present fad caught on!

Q: How many times can you cook fish on a cedar plank?

A: Although a grilled plank can technically be used more than once, you’ll only receive the fresh wood flavor on the first usage, thus we don’t advocate it because it goes against the whole point of using planks for cooking. Additionally, you are doing it incorrectly if you can utilize a grilled plank more than once.

Q: What to serve with planked salmon?

A: Great side dishes to pair with cedar plank salmon:

• Tricolored Salad is a light citrusy salad.
• Salmon can be barbecued alongside grilled corn with sweet chili sauce.
• Asian cucumber salad with a dash of heat.
• The flavor of spicy Szechuan green beans is intense.
• Compound butter pairs wonderfully with flaky baking powder biscuits!