This recipe creates juicy salmon with incredible smoky flavor and a beautifully tender texture. Cooking on a cedar plank helps prevent the fish from drying out while adding a delicious natural aroma. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and works wonderfully with a variety of marinades and side dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillet
Cedar plank
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic
Dijon mustard
Honey or maple syrup
Fresh dill or parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Lemon slices
Directions
Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 to 2 hours before grilling.
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Pat the salmon dry and place it skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the mixture generously over the salmon.
Place lemon slices on top and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Set the cedar plank directly on the grill grates.
Close the grill lid and cook until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Carefully remove the plank from the grill and let the salmon rest briefly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes Soaking time: 1 to 2 hours Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweet flavor.
Add a spicy kick with cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Top with brown sugar for a sweet glaze.
Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dill.
Add sliced oranges instead of lemons for a citrus variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the fish.
Cold leftover salmon also works well in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
FAQs
Why do I need to soak the cedar plank?
Soaking prevents the plank from burning too quickly on the grill.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely before grilling.
What type of salmon works best?
Fresh Atlantic or sockeye salmon both work very well.
Can I cook cedar plank salmon in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven if a grill is unavailable.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
Does the cedar plank add flavor?
Yes, it gives the salmon a subtle smoky and woodsy flavor.
Can I reuse the cedar plank?
If it is not heavily charred or cracked, it may be reused once or twice.
What sides pair well with grilled salmon?
Rice, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or fresh salads pair wonderfully.
Is cedar plank salmon healthy?
Yes, salmon is rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Can I make this recipe without a marinade?
Yes, simple seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon still tastes delicious.
Conclusion
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is a flavorful and elegant seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The cedar plank keeps the salmon moist while adding a subtle smoky aroma that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for outdoor grilling season or special dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is a smoky and flavorful seafood recipe featuring tender salmon grilled on a cedar wood plank with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. This healthy and easy grilled salmon recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, backyard grilling, or elegant family dinners.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15–20 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilled
Cuisine:American / Pacific Northwest
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 large salmon fillet (about 2 pounds)
1 cedar plank
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 to 2 hours before grilling.
Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 375°F to 400°F.
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place it skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the mixture generously over the salmon fillet.
Top with lemon slices and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley.
Carefully place the cedar plank directly on the grill grates.
Close the grill lid and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using heat-safe gloves or tongs.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Soaking the cedar plank helps prevent it from burning too quickly on the grill.Sockeye or Atlantic salmon both work beautifully for this recipe.Maple syrup adds a richer sweetness than honey.Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy variation.Leftover salmon is delicious served cold in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
