BBQ Time! Cedar Grilled Salmon with a Honey Balsamic Glaze

It is finally that time again…BBQ Season. Jogging around my neighborhood this afternoon, I was tortured by the strong scents of burning coals and bbq sauce smothered meats. The sun is beaming down on our day well past its bedtime, warming our souls and our minds to the simple things in life: Reading a book on your porch with your morning coffee (in my case: tea!); Packing up for a picnic in the park with a special friend, consisting of cheeses & pate with a crusty baguette; or simply taking a stroll down Mont- Royal to take in the trendy boutiques, cupcake shops and vintage book stores.

To inspire this season’s BBQ kick off, I decided to try something new. A colleague of mine, and fellow foodie, offered me up some of his favorite recipes, one consisting of a cedar plank grilled salmon. Right away my interest was sparked and so was my BBQ. This is an extremely easy recipe, and don’t worry, these planks are sold in any local grocer in the fresh fish section for under $3.00. The aroma of the salmon grilling over the sweet burning cedar is mesmerizing. The tastes of this “better than restaurant” smoked fish, is sure to please the palate. Top this meal off with a side of BBQ grilled peppers & asparagus, and voila…made to impress, with little to no effort and dishes.

Xo Dom Appetit!

PS. Do not be alarmed when the board catches fire! Just get your little water filled spray bottle and tame those flames! It’s all part of the fun ;)

Cedar Grilled Salmon with a Honey Balsamic Glaze

Taken from: Cedar Grilling Company

Prep Time: 10 mins (not including plank SOAK TIME -1.5 hours minimum)

Cook Time: 20 mins

Tools Needed: cedar block, BBQ, oven mitts, water filled spray bottle

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets (personal size)

Salt and Pepper

Olive Oil

Lemon Wedge (I used a lime wedge and it tasted phenomenal!)

Honey and Balsamic drizzling sauce (see recipe below)

Directions:

1)      Soak plank for 2-6 hours in water ( I soaked for 1.5 hours)

2)      Dry plank and coat the top lightly with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper

3)      Heat pre-soaked plank on BBQ grill for about 5 mins

4)      Place the salmon fillets on the plank and grind fresh black pepper on it, as well as squeeze some of your lemon (or lime)

5)      Cook on medium heat until salmon is cooked and flaky (approx 15-20 mins, thermometer should read 125-130 F, 52-55 C). Do not be alarmed by flames, use your squirt bottle

6)      Transfer salmon to your serving plate and drizzle with honey and balsamic drizzling sauce! Serve with a side of BBQ grilled peppers and Asparagus.

Honey and Balsamic Drizzling Sauce

Taken from: Cedar Grilling Company

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Tools needed: small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon, stove top

Ingredients:

½ cup of balsamic vinegar

2 ½ tablespoons of honey

2 ½ tablespoons of white sugar

1 ½ tablespoons of soy sauce

Directions:

1)      Over high heat bring all ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan

2)      Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring constantly (skim off any foam)

3)      Let cool and pour decanter

4)      Drizzle over salmon or any meat of your choice!