Grilled salmon on the BBQ here reaches a peak of elegance and flavor. Hot-smoked on a cedar plank and coated with a warm marinade of maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and lime, it delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible woody aromas. This slow plank-cooking technique adds depth, moisture, and complexity to this already noble fish. In 30 minutes, you get a gourmet, spectacular, and healthy dish, perfect for elevating a summer dinner.

Between Native American Tradition and Modern Refinement

Cooking on a wooden plank has its roots in the indigenous cultures of the American Northwest. While salmon has historically been the star ingredient of this method, the marinade inspired by Japanese flavors gives it a modern and gourmet fusion twist.

Prep Time:

  • Prep: 30 min
  • Cook: 10 min
  • Total: 40 min

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh salmon fillet
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 lime
  • ½ cup soy sauce

Equipment: 1 untreated cedar plank (30 cm x 2 cm)

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic clove.
  2. In a freezer bag, combine garlic, maple syrup, lime juice, and soy sauce.
  3. Add the salmon fillet, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  4. Drain the salmon and set the marinade aside.
  5. Preheat your BBQ and place the plank on the grate to heat.
  6. Flip the plank, then place the salmon fillet on the charred side.
  7. Close the lid to create a smoking effect.
  8. Cook for about 10 minutes (the center may remain slightly pink).
  9. Heat the marinade in the microwave.
  10. Drizzle the salmon with the warm marinade just before serving.

Presentation & Pairings

Serve the whole fillet or cut into portions on a wooden serving platter, accompanied by Japanese rice, fresh mango, or pickled radishes. For drinks: dry sake, oaked Chardonnay, or a light IPA.

Dietary Variants

  • Gluten-free: use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Dairy-free: naturally lactose-free recipe.
  • Omega-3 rich: perfect for anti-inflammatory diets.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per 150 g marinated salmon)

Nutrition Facts for 150 g

Energy320 kcal ⚡️
Fat18 g
of which saturated3.3 g
of which omega-32.5 g 💙
Carbohydrates7.9 g
of which sugars7.2 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Protein29 g 🍗
Cholesterol68 mg
Sodium1.4 g 🧂
Calcium21 mg
Iron0.6 mg
Vitamin B125.1 µg 📈

*DV: Daily Values for an average adult (8400 kJ / 2000 kcal)

🧬 Health sheet – Cancer + Diabetes

💡
🥗 Est-ce que cette recette est saine et bénéfique pour la santé ?

Ce saumon fumé sur planche est très intéressant nutritionnellement : il est riche en protéines de qualité, en oméga-3 à chaînes longues, en sélénium et en vitamine D. Le sirop d'érable, utilisé avec parcimonie, offre une touche sucrée naturelle sans pic glycémique majeur.

🧬 Click to expand

🧬 Cancer Analysis
✅ Benefits: rich in protective omega-3s, gentle cooking without burning or HCA/PAH formation.
⚠️ Caution: watch out for excessive caramelization.
📌 Recommendations: keep the temperature moderate, avoid overcooking.

🍬 Diabetes Analysis
✅ Benefits: low in carbs, excellent source of protein and healthy fats.
⚠️ Caution: maple syrup needs to be monitored.
📌 Recommendations: serve with fiber (vegetables, whole-grain rice), limit the final glaze.

✅ Health Summary
A healthy, rich, natural dish suitable for a Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diet. Easy to control in calories and sugar.

🧠 Health Tip
Choose wild salmon or responsibly farmed salmon. Use a well-soaked cedar plank to control burning, and avoid adding too much sugar at the end of cooking.