Pit Boss Salmon Recipe

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Who doesn’t love salmon? Nobody, that’s who! That is why you need to try the Pit Boss salmon recipe. It is an easy to follow recipe that allows you to use your smoker or grill to maximise the flavor of the salmon and add some smoky flavors.

Salmon is also one of those versatile foods that can be cooked in many ways – pan-fried, pan-seared, roasted, poached, grilled, or baked.

Here, we’ll be smoking our salmon with a Pit Boss grill (but you can use any type of grill for this recipe) The best part about this recipe is that all the ingredients are simple to find, so throwing towards a delicious dinner or lunch is simple.

Type of Wood to Use for Smoking Salmon

First of all, let’s talk about wood planks flavors. Believe me when I say that each flavor strongly contributes to the taste of your meal. Some flavors like cherry and maple give your meat or fish a touch of sweetness.

Some other flavors like alder and oak strike a delightful balance between a sweet and smoky flavor. You just need to choose according to the taste you want to achieve. 

These are the popular flavors out there: 

• Alder
• Cherry
• Cedar
• Maple
• Hickory
• Red Oak 

Why Do You Cook Salmon on a Cedar Plank?

‘Why Cedar?’, you may be wondering. This grilling technique is nice to incorporate a subtle smoky, woodsy flavor into your salmon. Interestingly enough, grilling with cedar isn’t just some new fad.

Rather, it’s been around for hundreds of years and was especially common among the Native Americans. These days, cedar planked salmon has become somewhat of a staple at high-end restaurants.

Other meals you can cook this way are – shrimp, scallops, brie cheese, white fish, lobster, chicken, pork chops, vegetables, and fruit like zucchini, pumpkin, and even pineapples! 

How to Soak Your Plank

Soaking helps reduce the chances of your planks burning while grilling and adds some extra flavor. 

It’s very simple: all you need to do is soak your plank in water or any liquid of your choice for at least 1-2 hours  This could be beer, wine or any other flavored liquid. To make sure it is fully soaked, you can use cans, heavy bowls or anything heavy to weigh the plank down. 

What You’ll Need For Cedar Plank Salmon

• 2lbs of salmon fillet (skin-on)
• 3 – 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sliced ginger
• 2 tablespoons of chilli oil
• 2 – 3 untreated cedar planks (14 x 6 inches, 1/2 inch thick)
• Wine, beer, sake, or water (for soaking planks)

Grilling Your Salmon

Step 1: Soak your planks in water (or any other liquid mentioned earlier) for 1 – 2 hours

Step 2: Rinse your fillet under running cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place on a baking tray and rub all sides with olive oil.

Step 3:  Prepare your marinade by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Coat every part of the salmon with this mix. Refrigerate and leave to marinate for 15 minutes or until ready for the grill.

Step 4: Preheat your Pit Boss grill to medium heat, 325°F – 375°F.

Step 5: Place pre-soaked planks on the grill grate and close the lid. Your planks are ready when they start to smoke and crackle. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy, just in case your planks start to burn.

Step 6: Put your seasoned fillets on the planks, skin side down. Cook salmon on indirect heat, with the lid closed for 15-30 minutes.

Step 7: Check for doneness. You’ll know your fillet is ready when it has an even pink color at the center or when it becomes tender and easily flaked with a fork.

You may also use a thermometer; the fillet is completely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.

 Step 8:  Take off the grill and allow to rest for 5 – 10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, separate the salmon skin from the meat. Cut up and serve.

What to Have With Your Plank Salmon

Plank grilled salmon goes well with roasted or mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, vegetables, or salad. The salmon pairs well with Rosé, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir – perfect for any weather.

Other Ways to Cook Salmon

Salmon is a favorite at our house! Below are some of the other ways to cook salmon

Smoked Salmon On Pellet Grill 

Brown Sugar Rubbed Smoked Salmon 

Salmon seared on a salt block

This quick and delicious salmon recipe is sure to give you just the right amount of flavor and oh-so-good smokiness, yum!

Another cool part is that this salmon is gluten-free and keto-friendly; so, my pals on certain diets can enjoy it guilt-free!

Well, what are you waiting for? Get grilling and let me know how it goes.

What will you be serving your smoked salmon with?

Smoke On!

Charlie

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