Step into the rhythm of a classic jazz evening with a dish that sings with every bite: Cedar Plank Grilled Trout. Imagine the smoky, aromatic notes of cedar wood intertwining with the delicate, buttery essence of fresh trout, creating a harmony of flavors that's as smooth as a saxophone solo.
As the grill works its magic, the fish absorbs the woodsy undertones, while a hint of lemon and herbs adds a bright, crisp finish, reminiscent of a sharp trumpet's call. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a soulful composition that dances on your palate and leaves you swaying in delight.
So, light up the grill, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and let this wonderful recipe set the stage for an unforgettable culinary performance.
Related Fish Posts:
Cedar plank cooking featuring a delicious grilled trout recipe cooked on cedar planks topped with a simple spice rub. Easy, minimal prep, and the sweet smokey cedar aroma and taste make this fish Da Bomb for weeknight or weekend grilling.
Beats and Eats (MOOD MUSIC to pair with Grilled Trout)
When I get fresh new fish, I do a lil dance and if a grilling opportunity presents itself then its mo' better. I crank up this remix version of a Billie Holiday classic and get it!
When I get fresh new fish, I do a lil dance and if a grilling opportunity presents itself then its mo' better. I crank up this remix version of a Billie Holiday classic and get it!
Billie Holiday's song "More Than You Know" in the Jazzeem Remix pairs beautifully with cedar plank grilled fish for several reasons:
The Jazzeem Remix of "More Than You Know" adds a modern, smooth touch to Billie Holiday's classic, creating a relaxing and soulful atmosphere. Cedar plank grilled fish, with its delicate, smoky flavor, provides a culinary experience that's as smooth and soothing as the song.
The remix enhances the rich, emotive layers of Holiday's voice with modern beats, creating a complex and captivating sound. The fish absorbs the woodsy undertones of the cedar plank, combined with herbs and spices, resulting in a rich and multi-layered flavor profile.
Billie Holiday's timeless elegance, combined with the Jazzeem Remix, brings a contemporary yet classic feel that resonates with listeners. Cedar plank grilled fish is a timeless dish that combines the rustic charm of grilling with the elegance of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Grilled Trout Ingredients
Ingredients are literally fresh fish + your favorite seasoning mix. Keep the seasoning as simple or complex as you prefer. Make your own or use a pre-made seasoning blend. I like to use jerk seasoning and occasionally Piri Piri seasoning.
Fresh Steelhead Trout Fillet - rainbow trout is a good alternative
Dry Seasoning Mix (your favorite) or simple mix with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper
Fresh Lemon Slices
Grilling Trout On Cedar Planks (step by step)
Soak the planks ahead of time for at least 30 minutes.
Allow trout fillets to reach room temperature then season. A good sea salt and coarse black pepper work great, but you can feel free to jazz things up as you like with other spices.
Preheat grill on the equivalent of medium high heat.
Place the fish on the planks skin side down.
Setup your grill and once ready, add the fish then grill with the lid closed for about 10-20 minutes depending on cut and thickness of the trout.
Serve from the plank topped with fresh lemon juice.
What To Serve With Steelhead Trout
Here are some excellent options to serve with steelhead trout:
Roasted Vegetables
The natural sweetness and slight char of roasted vegetables complement the rich flavor of the trout.
Rice or Grain Pilaf
Adds a hearty and flavorful base to the meal.
Fresh Salads
Provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery fish.
Grilled or Steamed Asparagus
The crisp texture and mild flavor of asparagus complement the trout. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Sautéed Greens
Adds a healthy, earthy element to the meal. Options include: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens, sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
Lemon Herb Orzo
Light and flavorful, it pairs well with the citrusy notes often used in trout preparation.
Couscous Salad
Light and fluffy, it complements the fish without overpowering it.
Tips for Grilling Fish on Planks
Grilling fish on cedar planks is a great way to infuse your dish with a smoky, aromatic flavor. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cedar plank grilled fish turns out perfectly:
Soak the Cedar Planks
Prevents the wood from catching fire and helps create steam to infuse the fish with flavor. Soak the planks in water for at least 1-2 hours. You can add some white wine, apple cider, or lemon juice to the water for extra flavor.
Prepare the Fish
Season the fish with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add lemon slices, garlic, and fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
Preheat the Cedar Plank
Helps the plank start smoking faster and prevents the fish from sticking. Place the soaked plank on the grill at medium heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it starts to smoke.
Experiment with Flavors
Try different marinades, spice rubs, and fresh herbs to find your favorite combinations. Soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic make a great Asian-inspired marinade
Cedar Plank Cooking Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is plank grilling?
Planking is using small wooden boards during grilling to add additional flavor to food. This provides that deep wood smoke flavor which is great especially if you don't have a smoker that utilizes wood logs/chunks or just don't have access to wood.
How to prevent planks from catching fire
This is easy. Anytime you plan to do plank grilling you'll want to soak the planks in water ahead of time for about 30 minutes.
Can you use planks in the oven?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder compared to grill use.
What are the different types of wood planks?
Cedar planks are by far the most popular/most used. Odds are any recipe you come across for plank grilling will be for cedar. Plank grilling is basically synonymous with cedar planks. However, you can find alder, oak, cherry, apple and pecan wooden planks in certain select places.
What food pairs well with plank grilling?
Fish (especially salmon) is the most common food cooked via planks. However, other foods like chicken, pork, and even hard vegetables like broccoli, portobello mushrooms, etc. all work well.
Where to buy planks?
You can definitely order them online or from a specialty grilling or outdoor furniture stores, but plank grilling is so popular these days you can find at pretty much any grocery store or hardware places like Home Depot or Lowes.
Can You Reuse The Planks?
You can definitely reuse grilling planks, but there are a few considerations before you do it. Only do it if the plank is good shape, recognizing that your second grilled item will take on the flavor from the first grilling. For second grilling you'll better off using a plank that was used for short-time grilling, unless it was used for indirect-grilling initially.
Serving Suggestions
Cuban Avocado Salad (ensalada de aguacate)
Mexican Strawberries and Cream (Fresas Con Crema)
What does Grilled Cedar Plank Trout Taste Like?
Grilling it on a wooden plank imparts a subtle, but flavorful smokiness that goes nicely with the spice mix (kosher salt, coarse black pepper, Aleppo pepper, dried thyme, and crushed mustard seeds). The beauty of the dish is its simple to make, requires little to no technique besides starting a grill and presents well if you're serving others.
For other cedar plank cooking recipe try these:
Cedar Plank Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
make this grilled steelhead trout
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Fresh Steelhead Trout cut into quarters
- 1 Cedar Wood Plank
- Spice Mix personal preference
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank in water for a minimum of one hour prior to grilling
- Season the fish with choice of seasoning and let sit for 30 minutes
- Place the fillet skin side down onto the soaked cedar plank.
- Place the planked fish on a hot grill and close the lid. The plank will begin to smoke.
- Cook to desired doneness (usually 10-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish)
- Remove and serve straight from the plank.