This post has been sponsored by Kingsford®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What’s the best tailgate food? For me, it’s not the usual suspects. I say, “zig” when the others “zag” with freshly barbecued seafood. These Cedar Plank Salmon Sliders grilled with Kingsford® Original Charcoal are a great game-day or tailgating alternative to the standard and they’re much healthier than most cookout fare. This cedar plank salmon recipe has a spicy BBQ sauce and quick pickled onions and cucumbers for a fresh, delicious and satisfying bite!
Cedar Plank Salmon Sliders For Game Day Entertaining
Last weekend, we had friends over to the house for a game day cookout. It was one of those half-in/half-out kind of parties… You know where people migrate from the living room to the patio, back to the kitchen… a constant in and out. Of course, whenever you fire up the big kettle grill with Kingsford® Original Charcoal, it attracts a crowd. When you’re serving more than the average tailgating fare, it ups the “WOW” factor even more. The fish for my cedar plank salmon sliders was provided by ButcherBox for a truly epic pairing of trusted brands.
Must Haves For Cooking Salmon On A BBQ
- Charcoal Grill
- Kingsford® Charcoal
- Chimney Fire Starter
- Wood Planks (or chips)
- Grilling Tongs
- Grilling Mitts or Gloves
Want The Best Tailgate Food? Use The Best Coals
Consider the coals. Kingsford® charcoal has more edges and surface area to catch the flames quickly and the grooves actually provide air channels for fast heating and even burning. Just look at those embers. It’s perfect for backyard parties or tailgates, infusing an authentic smoky, wood-fired flavor into everything from beef, chicken and pork to barbecued seafood and vegetables.
Salmon Filets From Butcher Box
I have to be honest, this cedar plank salmon recipe, is less of a recipe and more of a leisurely way to entertain your friends and family for a few hours, especially when the protein is delivered right to your door, like these salmon slider filets from Butcher Box.
Some might think that the game is the main focus, but my experience tells me that it’s really the grill… There’s something about the methodical building of fire and cooking over an open flame that speaks to all of our primal lizard brains and Kingsford® charcoal makes it effortless.
Ingredients For Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
- Skin-On Salmon Fillets
- Spicy Guava BBQ Sauce (or your favorite)
- Pink Pickled Onions
- Quick Pickled Cucumbers
- Slider Rolls
How To Cook Cedar Plank Salmon Sliders
- Soak the wood plank.
- Light the charcoal using a chimney fire starter.
- When charcoals are hot and white, arrange the embers in the center of the grill.
- Place the grilling grate over the coals and add the soaked plank to preheat.
- When the plank starts to smoke, place the fish on the plank.
- Cover with the lid.
- Cook until not quite done and brush with BBQ sauce. Cover again with lid.
- Transfer fish to a heat proof tray and serve.
How Long To Grill Salmon On A Cedar Plank
I wish I could say “cook for exactly 3 minutes per side”, but I can’t. It will depend on the thickness of your salmon filets, how hot your grill is, not to mention how you like your salmon cooked… we prefer just barely “done”, but some of my friends like it cooked longer.
On average, 1/2” to 3/4” salmon filets (cut into slider portions) should take between 6 and 10 minutes. (We cooked ours for around 8).
What To Garnish Barbecued Seafood With
For the best tailgate food, instead of plain lettuce and tomato, I like to amp up the flavors with a little spice, a little tang, and a bit of sweet.
Spicy Guava BBQ Sauce is easy to make in advance and it’s got a tongue-tingling tropical flavor. Layered with spices, this sauce enhances the delicate flavor of the smoked fish without overpowering.
Pink Pickled Onions are super easy to make with just 5 ingredients (one of them being water) and they can be made ahead of time. The pickling tames the fire of these onions while adding a nice tartness that will pucker your mouth.
Quick Pickled Cucumbers are based on the same recipe as the onions, but I slice the English cucumbers VERY thinly, so you can pile on a bunch of these lightly brined beauties. (Be warned, people LIKE these ALOT. You might need a second batch.
Best Tailgate Food
These Cedar Plank Salmon Sliders were gone in an instant and whether you’re gathering for a game-day watch party at home or want the best tailgate food at the stadium, this recipe fits the bill because most of the prep is done in advance. Our friends, loved the smoked flavor of the fish as well as the BBQ sauce and pickled veg. We rounded out our game day barbecue with lots of cold drinks, chips, coleslaw, fresh fruit and cookies for dessert. But I’ve got more suggestions below.
What To Serve With Cedar Plank Salmon Sliders
- Grilled Vegetable Tomato Mozzarella Caprese
- Ancient Grains Salad
- Farfalle with Pepperoni Mozzarella and Broccoli
- Bacon and Egg Potato Salad
More Barbecued Seafood Recipes:
- Caribbean Grilled Yellowtail Snapper with Garlicky Aioli
- Plank Grilled Salmon with Tomato Fennel Ragout
- Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
- Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Cedar Plank Salmon Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- Charcoal Grill
- Chimney Charcoal Starter
- Several Sheets of Newspaper
- Kingsford® Original Charcoal
- 2 Cedar Planks
- Charcoal mitts or gloves (for protection)
Ingredients
SALMON SLIDER INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds
Butcher Box Atlantic salmon fillets
(skin on) - 1 recipe
Spicy Guava BBQ Sauce
- 1 recipe Pink Pickled Onions
- 1 recipe
Quick Pickled Cucumber
- 8 slider buns
Instructions
SOAK THE CEDAR PLANKS:
- Soak the cedar planks in water for at least one hour before starting. The wood will naturally want to float, so weigh them down with something heavy in order to keep them submerged. (I filled the sink with water, added the planks and then filled a saucepan with water and set it on top of the wood. Keep them soaking until you’re ready to start smoking.
START THE FIRE:
- Make sure the grill is in an open area away from brush or anything flammable and on a stable surface, like a concrete patio.
- Remove the top grate from the grill and set aside. Crumble up the newspaper into loose bunches and insert into the bottom portion of the charcoal starter. Fill the top of the chimney with Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets. Light the newspaper with a fire starter or matches. The newspaper will burn and start to ignite the briquets. Let the coals burn until the embers are white and the fire is hot.
- Wearing the charcoal mitts or gloves, carefully tip the fiery embers into the grill and spread them in an even layer.
BEGIN TO SMOKE THE PLANKS:
- Replace the top grate over the embers and add the soaked cedar plank. Cover with the lid, making sure the vents are slightly open.
PREPARE THE SALMON:
- While the plank is heating, prepare the salmon. Depending on the size of your buns, you’ll want to cut the filets into pieces that roughly match. For me that meant halving the salmon. If you’re using a whole filet, just cut it into 2-3 inch diameter pieces.
SMOKE THE SALMON:
- When the cedar plank is emitting a good smoke, add the salmon filets to the plank (skin side down) and cover tightly with the lid.
- Smoke the salmon on the cedar plank for about 7 minutes. Brush the salmon filets with Spicy Guava BBQ Sauce and replace the lid to smoke for an additional minute or two (depending on the thickness of the salmon and doneness you’ve achieved.
- Wearing the barbecue mitts transfer the wood plank to a heat resistant platter or cutting board to serve.
MAKE THE SLIDERS:
- Place a slider on the bun, add additional BBQ sauce and top with pink pickled onions and quick pickled cucumbers. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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So cool that Butcher Box delivers protein right to your door! We are always having family gatherings at our house and I know these salmon sliders would be a huge hit. Perfect recipe for a cool, fall night on the deck with the fam.
Oh gosh Lisa. You KNOW I’m obsessed with salmon, I’m sure. These look incredible. I’ve always been intrigued by ButcherBox and now, even more so. I love that it’s sustainable, too. Bristol Bay salmon is fabulous salmon. And I’ll have to tell my husband about Kingsford coal! He could use those in his smoker or charcoal grill. Good coal really does make a difference.
These cedar-planked salmon sliders look marvelous! I love the sound of the spicy guava bbq sauce as well. Can’t wait to devour these!
I know this is a post about your amazing smoked salmon sliders but you had me at the pickled red onions:) That will be perfect with these sliders? I use Kingsford charcoal too, they have one with hickory in it. Once I was on a scouting trip and picked the cheaper charcoal, I regretted it. They didn’t burn as long and I ran out of charcoal trying to teach a dutch oven cooking class. I had to run to the store. Ever since I use only Kingsford. You do really get what you pay for.
Super inspired to try these cedar-planked salmon sliders. We usually grill with charcoal, but haven’t tried soaking cedar for that smoky flavor. We’re with you on casual entertaining, and we still have warm weather here in CA, so the indoor/outdoor works out great! Also, super excited to look into the salmon from Butcher Box. We get their beef, but didn’t think the fish would be as good as it looks here. YUM.
I have to say that everything we received from Butcher Box was outstanding! And these sliders are EPIC.
I love a good burger…and this salmon burger looks fantastic. I remeber the Kingsford brand. Brings back memories of childhood. Having those portable grills down at the lake. All the kids running around, while the mom’s were watching. The dads were huddled around the grill….those were the days.
This looks good enough that I’m going to my neighbors’ to borrow their charcoal grill. I only have a gas grill, but you’ve definitely made a cases for the old fashioned (tho it looks super easy) grill. Those sliders look unbelievable.
I know where I’m going for tailgating! Go ahead and fire up the grill and pop open a beer for me Lisa! But for real- we buy Kingsford too (because the best!) and these sandwiches look like the best thing I’ve ever seen at a football party. I’m pretty sure I could eat a tray full of these!
I love everything about this recipe – especially the detailed directions. And that bbq sauce is so good!
These look fantastic!!
I always let my husband do the grilling so I have no idea of how to even start the fire. I found this to be super helpful in teaching me to grill since I have no experience. I can’t wait to surprise him one night with making these cedar-planked salmon sliders.
I love everything about this post. I’ve yet to try planked salmon but it looks fabulous. Your BBQ sauce looks delicious too!
I appreciate that! We love to entertain casually with the grill. It makes everyone feel relaxed.
I am IN LOVE with cedar plank salmon, and that guava bbq sauce is the perfect match. Great recipe!
So glad you like it, Candice. The BBQ sauce recipe is super easy.
It’s breakfast time as I write this and now I am totally craving this Salmon Slider!! Please can I have an invite to your next tailgating party?!
You are always welcome!
That coffee infused BBQ sauce sounds so good, I bet it compliments the salmon perfectly! I love the addition of the pickles, they sound so easy to make too which is great!
I never had salmon on a cedar plank before. I love salmon and barbeque sauce. I will have to make this soon.
I just love cedar plank salmon! And with this delicious sounding BBQ sauce and the pickles! Amazing!
These look great! I am saving these to surprise my husband on game day:) Now I just have to find out when the Cowboys are playing.
I love everything about this recipe! That sauce is exquisite!
Looking like a new favorite way to enjoy one of my very favorite fish!
They didn’t last very long!
I have to get my hands on a cedar plank.. what a great way to add flavour and cook salmon! Thanks for the inspiration.
You can get planks at home depot or lowe’s and most cooking stores. I’ve even seen them in the grocery store and Costco.
These look amazing!!
I have never cooked on a cedar plank before – but these look soooo yummy! I need to try these asap!
You need to smoke on a plank — it adds a whole new dimension and it’s so easy! Thanks for the compliment — we inhaled these sliders!