Get ready to elevate your cookout experience with Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce – a go-to entree cherished by Stephanie Matthews from Tempe, Arizona. This delightful dish combines the rich, grilled taste of salmon with the savory allure of blackberry sauce, creating a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cedar grilling planks
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons chipotle hot pepper sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, divided
- ¼ cup finely chopped shallots
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 6 salmon fillets (5 ounces each)
PREPARATION:
- Soak the cedar grilling planks in water for at least 1 hour to prepare them for cooking.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh blackberries, white wine, brown sugar, honey, chipotle hot pepper sauce, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Cover and process the mixture until it becomes a smooth sauce. Strain the sauce to remove the seeds, and then stir in the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Set the sauce aside for serving.
- Place the soaked cedar planks on the grill over medium-high heat. Cover the grill and heat the planks until they create a light to medium smoke and begin to crackle, indicating they are ready for cooking. Flip the planks over to prepare them for the salmon.
- Sprinkle the salmon fillets with the remaining salt and pepper. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the cedar planks on the grill. Grill the salmon, covered, over medium heat for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve the grilled salmon with the savory blackberry sauce.
YIELD: 6 servings of salmon with approximately ¾ cup of sauce
COOKING TIME: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for soaking planks and 20 minutes for preparation)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- To add a smoky flavor to the sauce, consider using chipotle-infused honey.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, you can adjust the amount of chipotle hot pepper sauce to your taste.
Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a flavorful journey with Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce – a cherished go-to entree from Stephanie Matthews in Tempe, Arizona. This dish masterfully combines the robust grilled taste of salmon with the enticing flavors of blackberry sauce, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spiciness.
Stephanie’s choice of cedar grilling planks pays homage to the Native American tradition of smoking salmon, which was initially used for preservation and now, for flavor enhancement. The smoky aroma and crackling of the soaked cedar planks infuse the salmon with an unparalleled taste that’s both rustic and refined.
The blackberry sauce takes center stage, crafted from fresh blackberries, white wine, brown sugar, honey, and a dash of chipotle hot pepper sauce. The result is a velvety smooth sauce with sweet and savory notes, complemented by a hint of spiciness that will tantalize your taste buds.
As the salmon cooks atop the cedar planks, the tender fish soaks in the flavors and absorbs the essence of the smoky grill, making each fillet an exceptional treat. With the addition of finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, the sauce gains depth and complexity, elevating the dish to a gourmet experience.
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce is not only a feast for the palate but also a feast for the senses. The striking visual appeal of the grilled salmon on the cedar planks, accompanied by the luscious dark hues of the blackberry sauce, makes this dish a stunning centerpiece for any cookout or special gathering.
So, fire up the grill, prepare the cedar planks, and let the captivating aroma of this delightful dish envelop your outdoor space. As you savor each bite of tender salmon coated in the sweet and smoky blackberry sauce, let Stephanie’s culinary creation transport you to a world of culinary wonders.
From Tempe, Arizona, to your own table, embrace the joy of sharing a meal that brings together the richness of tradition and the innovation of modern flavors. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or enjoying a delightful family dinner, Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce is sure to be a showstopper.
