Grilled Thai Plank Peanut Salmon Recipe!

Salmon happens to be my favorite fish and during the summertime when it’s in season — it’s the best.  I like salmon prepared is so many ways, and I’m sure most of you know that by my many posted salmon recipes.  I love to grill salmon on a plank because it’s so easy and it preserves the fish because there’s no flipping.  I have an older classic plank salmon recipe that’s marinated in Asian flavors that’s absolutely one of my favorites.  However, today we are going to Thailand and schmear my creamy peanut Thai sauce on top of salmon before grilling.  I think you’ll fall in love with the taste and the simplicity of this recipe.  It only takes a few minutes to puree the sauce in a food processor or blender and spread it over the fillets before grilling. Most of these ingredients you probably have in your pantry, or you can find them at the local grocer.

This salmon is marvelous after grilling.  Plank grilling keeps fish super moist and won’t overcook it because the soaked board insulates, and let’s off steam as it cooks on the barbecue.  I used my gas grill for this recipe, but a charcoal grill or smoker will add another note of smoky taste that’s pleasurable.  This salmon recipe is so exquisite and delightfully satisfying with a steamy scoop of rice and a side salad to enjoy al fresco-style on the patio.

Ingredients

1 cedar plank, found online or hardware stores

1 1/2 pound fresh salmon fillet, cut in half

2/3 cup peanut butter, any variety

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 clove garlic, peeled

1/3 cup fresh basil and parsley, combined + more for topping

1 tablespoon fish sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon hot chili sauce, sambal or harissa

1 tablespoon brown sugar

(Serves 4)

To Prepare:

1. Soak plank for at least 2 hours before grilling.
2. Preheat grill to 400 degrees or light charcoal until grey coals.
3. In a food processor or blender, add peanut butter, ginger, garlic, herbs, fish sauce, sesame oil, chili sauce and brown sugar.  Puree until smooth.  Add 1/4 cup water and puree until creamy.
4. Place salmon on plank.  Spread peanut sauce over top of both salmon fillets.  Reserve remaining to serve with grilled fish.
5. Place plank salmon on grill.  Cook for 20 minutes (it takes 10 minutes for board to heat up, other 10 minutes is cooking time).
6. Remove and place on board for serving.  Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with remaining sauce.  Enjoy!