Loimulohi is an old Finnish technique for cooking salmon on an open fire. We added a touch of North America with the addition of maple syrup and some Western Red Cedar. Making this vertical planked salmon is a sure way to impress your dinner party guests!

Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Chef's Tip

Light your fire in advance and allow the hot coals to develop, this will ensure a more even temperature.

Directions:

  1. Light a fire about an hour before you plan to cook, we used maple wood.
  2. Using a drill, make 5 holes in the Cedar plank with your largest bit. Drill one hole in the center towards the top and the other four below it, two on each side. The holes need to be spaced well enough to provide support for the salmon.
  3. Take a Cedar skewer and cut it into 5 pieces, these pieces will be used to secure the salmon to the plank.
  4. Remove any pin bones from the salmon.
  5. Place the salmon on the plank over the holes, with the tail towards the top. Push the skewer pieces through the fish to secure it to the plank.
  6. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Use a brush to add a coat of maple syrup.
  7. Place a log beside the fire and lean the plank against it so the salmon is facing the fire with the tail end up. Occasionally brush with more maple syrup.
  8. Cook time depends on the heat of your fire and distance from the coals but expect to cook your salmon for 15-30 minutes. When ready the internal temperature should be 125°F.

*Keep a spray bottle of water handy in case of flare-ups.

Used in this recipe:

Large Cedar Plank