grilled salmon on cedar plank recipe

The Best grilled salmon on cedar plank recipe

I’ve always been a fan of grilled salmon on a cedar plank, and my family loves it just as much as I do. There’s something about the combination of the smoky flavor from the cedar and the tender flakiness of the salmon that just can’t be beat. I first tried this recipe at a friend’s house, and it quickly became a staple in my own kitchen.

The key to making this dish really work is in the home cooking technique – you have to make sure the cedar plank is preheated to just the right temperature, so that it infuses the salmon with that amazing flavor without burning it. It’s a bit more involved than some other recipes, but trust me, it’s worth it. I love serving this dish at family gatherings because it’s so easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to fire up the grill and spend some time outside? My kids are always asking for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) , and I have to admit that I’m right there with them.

One of the best things about grilled salmon on a cedar plank is how healthy it is. Salmon is packed with omega-3s, which are amazing for your heart and brain health. And when you cook it on a cedar plank, you get all those extra nutrients from the wood itself.

It’s a win-win all around! I’ve experimented with different seasonings and marinades over the years, but I always come back to a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. It lets the natural flavors of the salmon shine through while still adding a bit of brightness to the dish.

Now that I’ve convinced you to give this recipe a try, let me tell you – it’s worth every bit of effort you put into it. Your family will thank you (and so will your taste buds!)

Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank

4.9 from 1301 votes

This recipe infuses salmon with a subtle smoky flavor from a cedar plank. The fish stays moist and flaky while developing a beautiful char.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning.
2Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, with the lid closed.
3Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
4Brush both sides with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.
5In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice to create the glaze.
Set aside.
6Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates and close the lid.
7Heat the plank for 3 minutes until it begins to smoke and crackle.
8Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot plank, spacing them evenly.
9Brush half of the glaze over the tops of the fillets.
10Close the grill lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness.
11The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
12During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the salmon.
13Use tongs to carefully remove the plank from the grill and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Cedar plank (untreated, soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
Grill
Small bowl
Basting brush
Tongs
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 34g

📝Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to avoid flare-ups. You can substitute maple syrup for honey if desired. For extra smoke flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the coals.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank Works

I love storing leftover grilled salmon on a cedar plank in an airtight container in my fridge for up to three days.

It reheats beautifully in my oven or on my stovetop for a quick lunch or dinner solution when I’m short on time.

One thing I like about this recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it at home for family dinner or taking it along on picnics or camping trips.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank

Q: What type of cedar planks should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use thin, food-grade cedar planks specifically designed for grilling. You can find these at most outdoor stores or online.

Q: How do I prevent the cedar plank from catching fire?

Make sure to preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat before adding the cedar plank. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.

Q: Can I use aluminum foil instead of a cedar plank?

No, you shouldn’t use aluminum foil for this recipe. The smoky flavor from the cedar is what makes this dish special – using foil would ruin that!

Q: How long should I cook the salmon?

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. As a general rule, cook for 8-12 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Q: Can I serve this with other sides besides lemon and herbs?

Of course! This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Just be sure not to overpower the delicate flavor of the salmon.

Q: Is grilled salmon on a cedar plank suitable for special diets?

This recipe is gluten-free and low-carb-friendly. However, if you’re following a strict keto diet, be mindful of your portion sizes due to the natural sugars in the lemon juice.

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