"Jet Black" tea rubbed cedar plank salmon

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Wassup, y'all! Today, we're going to dive into a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests: tea-rubbed cedar plank salmon. This dish is a perfect example of how to take fresh, high-quality ingredients and elevate them with simple yet bold flavors. The tea rub adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the salmon while the cedar plank infuses a smoky sweetness that perfectly balances the dish. So, let's fire up the grill and get started!

Cedar plank salmon by itself is a flavorful and easy recipe to make during grilling season. However, the tea based spiced rub is next level stuff flavor-wise.

I know tea and grilled salmon don't sound like a great combo. Actually, tea and any food sound dead wrong. But hey they serve lox during tea time and that's close, right?

Salmon is a popular fish that is both nutritious and delicious, and there are many ways to prepare it. Cooking salmon filets is a great way to enjoy this fish in a healthy and flavorful way. Whether you prefer to grill, bake, or pan-fry your salmon, there are many options for seasoning and serving it. In this guide, we'll cover some tips and techniques for cooking salmon fillets to perfection.

What Is Cedar Plank Cooking

Cedar plank cooking is a unique and delicious way of cooking that has been used for centuries. It involves cooking food on a piece of cedar wood, which adds a smoky flavor to the food. The cedar plank also helps to keep the food moist and tender as it cooks. Cedar plank cooking is especially popular for seafood, such as salmon, but it can also be used for other meats and vegetables. With the right techniques and tools, anyone can enjoy the delicious and flavorful results of cedar plank cooking.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Cedar Plank Salmon)

Ingredients Needed To Make Plank Salmon

FOR THE SALMON

• Fresh Salmon Fillets
• Cedar Wood Plank

FOR THE TEA RUB

• Lapsang Tea
• Chili Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Cinnamon

Cook Cedar Planked Salmon (step by step)

MAKE THE RUB

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and set aside

MAKE THE SALMON

Soak the cedar plank in water for a minimum of one hour prior to grilling

Season the salmon fillet with choice of spice rub and let sit for 30 minutes

Place the fillet skin side down onto the soaked cedar planks.

Place the planked fish on a hot grill (375 degrees) and close the lid. The plank will begin to smoke.

Cook cedar plank salmon to desired doneness (usually 10-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish)

Remove and serve straight from the plank. Garnish with lime and cilantro

What To Serve With Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed year-round. When it comes to deciding what to serve with grilled salmon, there are many options that can complement the flavors of the fish. One classic pairing is a side of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.

A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing can also be a great accompaniment. For a heartier meal, consider serving grilled salmon with a side of quinoa or coconut rice. And of course, don't forget a slice of lemon to add a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

Cedar Plank Salmon Cooking Tips

• Soak the planks in water first so they don't burn on the grill
• Salmon and trout (steelhead) are interchangeable in this recipe. You just want a thicker meatier cut to hold up to the heat and flavors. Choose wild salmon over farmed.
• Feel free to brush olive oil on the fish to help the seasoning stick more effectively
• Don't cook at too high a temperature. 375 degrees is as high as you want to go. Anything else will cook the salmon too fast which can lead to uneven cooking with perhaps an uncooked center. Also, too fast cooking time prevents maximizing the cedar flavor.
• As with any protein, allow it to reach room temperature before cooking
• Splash the salmon with lime juice just before serving
• Serve with a salad and/or side dish such as lentils.
• Cedar plank cooking works with a gas grill or charcoal grill.

Why a tea rub?

I've always been fascinated with spice rubs. Back in the day, friends used to encourage me to start a bbq rub business. They even had my brand campaign worked out - Rub Moop in reference to my nickname.

But anyway I've experimented with all types, most recently coffee-based rubs which I've used for both lamb chops and hanger steaks. A Tea rub was sort of an extension of the coffee version. I figured if coffee provided deep, complex flavor to grilled foods, then tea could bring the exotic with a cool jet blackness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Tea Rubbed Salmon

What kind of tea makes a good spice rub?

I know matcha tea is still all the rage with food trends, but I wasn't feeling green. I wanted dark and something that would hold up to a smoky grill. Chinese Lapsang tea was the choice for me. It's a smoky black tea that is from the Fujian mountains.
Be impressed that I actually learned this at a proper British tea outing during one of my trips across The Pond. I've since become a tea snob, and only Lapsang and Rooibus teaser good enough for me.
The Lapsang is perfect in this grilled salmon recipe for both its color and taste. Both are quite distinct and will be a hit to your family or guests. Bulk loose-leaf or bagged versions are fine either way however, the bulk variety will be more course and provide a bit more texture depending on preference.

What type of fish works best in this dish?

Admittedly I haven't tested the tea rub with any other fish besides salmon, after all, cedar planked salmon is a common recipe for my house. Occasionally I use trout and this could have easily been a cedar plank trout recipe.
Salmon is not my all time favorite, but you can't go wrong with it and it pairs so well with just about anything. So, it was the safe choice, but I'll add it ended up being a spectacular choice.

Can You Reuse Cedar Planks?

Technically, yes but I'd exercise some judgment. Assess the plank's condition after use. If it's heavily warped, burned and lacking any hints of smoky aroma then keep it moving.
Do be mindful that the flavor of whatever was cooked previously will be lasting and will/can impart the flavor in the new dish. You can always clean/wash with water to minimize the leftover flavor.

Do cedar planks work in the oven?

Yes, the smoke flavor for oven cedar plank salmon will not be as intense, but some of the cedar will definitely be imparted.

What other foods work well with cedar planks?

Cedar plank works with everything from chicken to vegetables. I've even cooked tofu for my vegan daughter, which she swears by. I don't eat tofu, so can only take her word for it.
Cedar plank cooking is a unique and flavorful way to cook a variety of dishes. The natural oils in the cedar plank infuse the food with a smoky, woodsy flavor that enhances the taste of whatever you're cooking. Some popular dishes for cedar plank cooking include salmon, trout, chicken, and vegetables.
You can also experiment with different types of wood planks, such as hickory or maple, to add different flavors to your dishes. The possibilities are endless with cedar plank cooking, so get creative and try something new!

Where To Buy Cedar Planks

You can purchase cedar planks for cooking at many grocery stores, specialty food stores, or online retailers. Some hardware stores or outdoor supply stores may also carry them. Look for untreated, food-grade cedar planks specifically designed for cooking, as other types of cedar may have chemicals or additives that are not safe for cooking.

make this salmon recipe

That's it for our tea rubbed cedar plank salmon recipe! I hope you've enjoyed this flavorful journey as much as I have. The combination of the aromatic tea rub and the smoky cedar plank is truly unbeatable.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress. Remember to keep experimenting with different flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and never be afraid to get creative!

If you make this cedar plank grilled salmon dish please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.

For other grilled fish recipes try this smoked trout with fennel rub or 3-ingredient cedar plank trout.

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