How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated.

What can I use instead of birch wood?

Cedar planks can be an alternative, but they will alter the flavor significantly.

Is there a substitute for fresh dill?

If fresh dill isn't available, use 1 tbsp dried dill for the sauce.

Can this be cooked in an oven instead of a grill?

Yes, bake the salmon on the plank in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Finnish Salmon Cooked on Birch Wood with Mustard Dill Sauce

Name: Finnish Salmon Cooked on Birch Wood with Mustard Dill Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Salmon fillets; Birch wood plank; Olive oil; Salt; Pepper; Dijon mustard; Honey; White wine vinegar; Fresh dill; Olive oil; Salt; Pepper; Lemon slices; Fresh dill sprigs

Traditional Finnish method of cooking salmon over birch wood.

This quintessential Nordic dish combines the rich flavors of salmon with aromatic birch wood smoke, complemented by a tangy mustard dill sauce.

1 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Salmon

Salmon fillets

4, skin on

Birch wood plank

large enough for the fillets

Olive oil

2 tbsp

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

For the Mustard Dill Sauce

Dijon mustard

1/4 cup

Honey

2 tbsp

White wine vinegar

1 tbsp

Fresh dill

1/4 cup, finely chopped

Olive oil

1 tbsp

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

For the Garnishing

Lemon slices

Fresh dill sprigs

Preparation

Preparing the Salmon

Soak Birch Plank

Soak birch wood plank in water for at least 1 hour.

Ensure the plank is fully submerged during soaking to prevent burning.

Prepare Salmon

Pat dry salmon fillets and brush them lightly with olive oil.

Season Salmon

Season with salt and pepper.

Making the Mustard Dill Sauce

Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and white wine vinegar.

Emulsify Sauce

Slowly add olive oil while whisking to emulsify the sauce.

Finish and Season

Stir in the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Allow the sauce to rest for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.

Cooking Process

Heat the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).

Pre-heating grill: medium heat.

Cook the Salmon

Place the soaked birch wood plank on the grill, then arrange the salmon fillets on top, skin side down. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

Cooking salmon: 20-25 minutes at medium heat.

Rest the Salmon

Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill.

Resting time: 5 minutes.

Plating & Serving