Grilled cedar plank salmon is a nutritious and flavorful dish ideal for outdoor cooking. The cedar plank imparts a smoky essence to the salmon, complementing its natural richness. To prepare, soak a cedar plank in water for at least an hour to prevent burning.
Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before placing it on the plank. While grilling, create a dill butter by combining softened butter, fresh dill, garlic, and salt. Once cooked, top the salmon with the dill butter and serve with grilled vegetables or a salad.
For variation, add citrus slices to the plank before placing the salmon, enhancing the flavor profile. The dill butter can be customized with additional herbs or spices, such as cayenne pepper or chives, to suit individual preferences. Grilled cedar plank salmon with dill butter is a versatile and appealing option for summer gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Grilling salmon on cedar plank adds a smoky flavor and keeps the fish moist
- Dill butter complements the salmon with a fresh and herby taste
- Smoking pork shoulder creates tender and flavorful meat, perfect for BBQ
- Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personalized touch to the smoked pork shoulder
- Grilled vegetable skewers with balsamic glaze offer a healthy and flavorful side dish option
Smoked Pork Shoulder with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Preparing the Pork Shoulder
To prepare this dish, start by rubbing the pork shoulder with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Then, let the meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Smoking the Pork Shoulder
When you’re ready to start smoking, preheat your smoker to 225°F and add some hickory or apple wood chips for a sweet, smoky flavor. Place the pork shoulder in the smoker and let it cook for several hours, until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F and the meat is falling apart.
Serving the Smoked Pork Shoulder
While the pork shoulder is smoking, you can prepare a homemade BBQ sauce to serve alongside it. Start by sautéing some minced onions and garlic in a saucepan until they are soft and translucent. Then, add ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly. Once the pork shoulder is finished smoking, shred the meat using two forks and toss it with some of the homemade BBQ sauce. Serve the smoked pork shoulder on a platter with extra sauce on the side, along with some coleslaw and cornbread for a complete barbecue feast.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful and flavorful addition to any barbecue menu. They are also a great option for vegetarian guests or anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their diet. To make these skewers, start by cutting your favorite vegetables into bite-sized pieces, such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and red onions.
Then, thread the vegetables onto metal or soaked wooden skewers in an alternating pattern to create a visually appealing presentation. Before grilling the skewers, brush them with a simple marinade made from olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. When it’s time to grill, place the vegetable skewers on a preheated grill and cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
While the skewers are cooking, you can prepare a balsamic glaze to drizzle over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it has reduced by half and has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Once the vegetable skewers are finished grilling, arrange them on a platter and drizzle them with the balsamic glaze before serving.
These grilled vegetable skewers are not only delicious but also visually stunning and are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings with Spicy Dry Rub
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Hickory smoked chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is perfect for any outdoor gathering. The smoky flavor from the hickory wood chips adds depth to the wings while keeping them juicy and tender. To prepare this dish, start by patting dry the chicken wings with paper towels before tossing them in a spicy dry rub made from a combination of chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Let the wings sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before smoking. When you’re ready to start smoking, preheat your smoker to 250°F and add hickory wood chips for that classic smoky flavor. Place the seasoned chicken wings on the smoker rack and let them cook for about 1-1.5 hours until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
While the wings are smoking, you can prepare a dipping sauce by mixing together melted butter with hot sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra tangy kick. Once the wings are finished smoking, toss them in the spicy dry rub once more before serving them alongside the dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer that will disappear in no time.
Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Rum Sauce for Dessert
Grilled pineapple with coconut rum sauce is a simple yet elegant dessert that is perfect for rounding out any barbecue meal. The natural sweetness of the pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill while the coconut rum sauce adds a tropical twist that will transport you to an island paradise. To make this dessert, start by cutting a fresh pineapple into wedges and grilling them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they have grill marks and are slightly softened.
While the pineapple is grilling, you can prepare the coconut rum sauce by simmering coconut milk with brown sugar in a small saucepan until it has thickened slightly. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in some dark rum and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright pop of acidity. Once the grilled pineapple wedges are finished cooking, arrange them on a platter and drizzle them with the coconut rum sauce before serving.
For an extra indulgent touch, you can also serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Tips for Perfectly Grilling a Juicy Ribeye Steak
Choosing the Perfect Ribeye Steak
Grilling a juicy ribeye steak to perfection requires some attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure that it turns out just right every time. Start by choosing a well-marbled ribeye steak that is at least 1 inch thick for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Preparation and Seasoning
Before grilling, let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take off the chill and ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper just before placing it on the grill.
Grilling to Perfection
When it’s time to grill, preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the ribeye steak on the grill and cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness or adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak only once during cooking to ensure that it develops a nice crust on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Serving and Adding Extra Flavor
After grilling, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into it to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor and tenderness. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also top the grilled ribeye steak with a pat of compound butter made from softened butter mixed with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
How to Infuse Flavor into Your Grilling with Wood Chips
Infusing flavor into your grilling with wood chips is an easy way to take your barbecue game to the next level. Different types of wood chips impart distinct flavors to your food, so it’s important to choose wisely based on what you’re cooking. For example, hickory wood chips add a strong smoky flavor that pairs well with red meats like beef or pork, while apple wood chips impart a sweeter, more delicate smoke that complements poultry or seafood.
To use wood chips for grilling, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to your charcoal or gas grill. This will prevent them from catching fire too quickly and will ensure that they smolder and release smoke evenly throughout the cooking process. Once they are soaked, drain off any excess water before adding them to your grill.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, simply scatter the soaked wood chips directly onto the hot coals just before adding your food to the grill. For gas grills, you can use a smoker box or create a makeshift pouch out of aluminum foil filled with soaked wood chips that can be placed directly over one of the burners. When grilling with wood chips, it’s important to keep an eye on your food and adjust the heat as needed to prevent flare-ups or excessive charring from too much smoke.
With these tips in mind, you can easily infuse your grilled dishes with delicious smoky flavors that will impress your guests and elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your Kamado Joe recipes, check out this article on sitesbysterling.com for some delicious and creative ideas to take your grilling game to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s something for everyone to try and enjoy. Happy grilling!
FAQs
What is a Kamado Joe?
A Kamado Joe is a type of ceramic grill that is designed to retain heat and moisture, making it ideal for grilling, smoking, and baking. It is known for its versatility and ability to maintain consistent temperatures for long periods of time.
What are some popular Kamado Joe recipes?
Some popular Kamado Joe recipes include smoked brisket, grilled vegetables, wood-fired pizza, smoked ribs, and cedar-planked salmon. The versatility of the Kamado Joe allows for a wide range of cooking techniques and flavors.
How do I use a Kamado Joe for cooking?
To use a Kamado Joe for cooking, start by lighting the charcoal and allowing the grill to preheat to the desired temperature. Once the grill is ready, place the food on the cooking grates and adjust the vents to control the airflow and temperature. Follow specific recipes and cooking times for best results.
What are the advantages of cooking with a Kamado Joe?
Some advantages of cooking with a Kamado Joe include its ability to retain heat and moisture, its versatility for grilling, smoking, and baking, and its ability to maintain consistent temperatures for long periods of time. The ceramic construction also helps to impart a unique flavor to the food.
Where can I find Kamado Joe recipes?
Kamado Joe recipes can be found in cookbooks, online cooking websites, and on the official Kamado Joe website. There are also many online communities and forums dedicated to sharing and discussing Kamado Joe recipes and cooking techniques.