Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce is a dish that combines the natural smoky flavors from grilling on cedar planks with the sweetness of fresh blackberry sauce. This recipe brings together the richness of salmon fillets, the aromatic flavors of shallots and garlic, and the tangy heat of chipotle hot pepper sauce. The result is a mouthwatering and visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into the history, story, and preparation of this delightful recipe.

Cedar plank grilling has a long history that dates back to the indigenous peoples of North America. Native Americans, particularly those along the Pacific Northwest coast, used cedar planks as a traditional cooking method to infuse their food with the aromatic flavors of cedar while also providing a natural barrier to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. This ancient technique has been embraced and popularized in modern grilling, adding a unique smoky flavor and visual appeal to dishes like salmon.

PREP: 20 MIN. + SOAKING

GRILL: 15 MIN.

MAKES: 6 SERVINGS (¾ CUP SAUCE)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cedar grilling planks
• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons honey
• 1½ teaspoons chipotle hot pepper sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, divided
• ¼ cup finely chopped shallots
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 6 salmon fillets (5 ounces each)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak the grilling planks in water for at least 1 hour to prevent them from burning during cooking and to enhance the cedar’s smoky aroma.
2. In a food processor, combine fresh blackberries, white wine, brown sugar, honey, chipotle hot pepper sauce, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Process the mixture until smooth and well blended. Strain the sauce to remove any seeds and discard them. Stir in the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic to add depth of flavor. Set the sauce aside.
3. Place the soaked cedar planks on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Cover the grill and let the planks heat up until they create a light to medium smoke and start to crackle, which usually takes about 3 minutes. This indicates that the planks are ready to use. Carefully turn the planks over to their other side.
4. Season the salmon fillets with the remaining salt and pepper. Place the seasoned fillets directly on the heated cedar planks. Grill the salmon, covered, over medium heat for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The cedar planks infuse the salmon with a delicious smoky flavor while ensuring a moist and tender texture.
5. Once the salmon is cooked, serve it immediately with the prepared blackberry sauce. The vibrant color and fruity flavors of the sauce beautifully complement the rich taste of the cedar plank-grilled salmon.

NOTE:

• Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce is a perfect dish for outdoor gatherings, summer cookouts, or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table. The combination of smoky cedar, succulent salmon, and tangy blackberry sauce creates a harmony of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy this delectable and visually stunning dish with your family and friends!