Northwest Alder Plank-Grilled Salmon

While the flavor of cedar is most well known with grilled salmon, grilling salmon on alder has just as rich a history. Cedar is the loud big brother that gets all the attention, while alder, with its less overpowering and quieter personality also creates delicious smoky flavor. If you aren't sure which one you will prefer, try them both in one of our Pacific Northwest Blends of grilling planks. Don't let cedar kick alder around though. If you put them in the grill at the same time you will likely only taste cedar, as alder prefers to be in the background.

Ingredients

• 1 Alder grilling plank
• 1 Salmon fillet
• ½ Cup brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• ½ Teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ Teaspoon salt Lemon

Directions

1. Soak grilling plank in hot water for at least 15 minutes. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high, or 400ºF (190ºC).
2. Mix brown sugar, chile powder, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt together. Rub mixture on salmon.
3. Add to grill or oven. 
4. *When grilling, keep the grill lid closed during cooking.
5. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145ºF (63ºC), or for about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from grill and serve on the plank with plenty lemon.

*Keep a spray bottle of water at hand for dousing flare-ups on the grill.

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