Aqua Star’s Celebrity Chef Darryl

Aqua Star’s Celebrity Chef Darryl offers his tips on the art of Cedar Planks on the BBQ

Chef Darryl of Aqua Star, and Denise Whitter of New Beginnings joined us on our radio show July 26th, 2008

So simple, so delicious, so versatile, with Celebrity Chef Darryl Fletcher

Why cedar plank at all? Adds a fabulous smoke flavor dimension to the salmon. Allowing the fish to char slightly for maximum enjoyment.

Pick up a cedar plank from your neighborhood grocery store, Canadian Tire or even Home Depot. Yes, it’s the same stuff you use for your cedar closet!

For larger crowds, or bigger eaters, pick up a longer plank, up to 2 feet. For larger pieces, use un-treated cedar.

Plank Prep: Soak the cedar plank in water for up to an hour or so. Yes, it floats, so you’ll have to weigh it down with a few tins! or you can use this time to work on your biceps and/or pecs

When ready, place your cedar plank on the grill.

In the meantime prepare your salmon with a little lemon juice, salt, pepper and a spritz of olive oil

Place the salmon steaks, skin side down, or salmon fillet directly on the cedar plank and go take a sip of your favorite white wine (this instruction is mandatory and critical to the final result)

Be sure to close the lid of the barbeque while the salmon is cooking.

Check periodically that the plank is not burning due to being too dry. If so, spritz with water and close the lid.

Do not turn the salmon over.

Timing of the fish is dependent on the thickness and size of the steaks/fillet. Generally, cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.

While the salmon is cooking, you will begin to notice a wonderful aroma emanating from the Que while the smokiness of the cedar plank and essences of the fish come together. Prepare accompaniments or sauce.

Gently remove the salmon from the plank. Give it a few moments to relax and allow the juices to settle. If you desire, adorn the fish with a slim topping of a sauce, or accompany with a salsa of mango, cilantro, salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic)

Further! FYI Folks

Cedar planks are used for one time only. Please discard after use.

Cedar Planks are less expensive at hardware stores

Other types of wood can be used.

Flavorings are different according to wood selection

Visit our Chef Darryl’s page regularly for recipes and entertaining ideas!