Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Recipe for Smoky Perfection

Succulent cedar plank grilled salmon promises a sensational seafood experience that transforms ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Smoky wood essence infuses delicate fish with robust wilderness flavors that dance across palates.

Grilling enthusiasts and home cooks appreciate this sophisticated technique that elevates simple protein preparation.

Pacific Northwest cooking traditions shine through every perfectly charred bite of this delectable dish.

Salmon's rich, buttery texture becomes magnificently enhanced when kissed by cedar's aromatic embrace during grilling.

Professional chefs and backyard grill masters alike celebrate how wooden planks create remarkable depth and complexity in seafood preparations.

Prepare to impress dinner companions with a show-stopping meal that feels simultaneously rustic and refined.

What Makes Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon So Flavorful

• Flavor Infusion: Cedar plank grilling adds a smoky, woodsy taste that transforms your salmon from ordinary to restaurant-worthy without complicated techniques.
• Simple Technique: This method ensures your salmon stays incredibly moist and tender, protecting the delicate fish from direct heat while creating a stunning presentation.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking directly on the cedar plank means fewer dishes and an easy serving option that looks impressive for dinner guests or family meals.
• Foolproof Cooking: The plank method prevents overcooking and helps even beginner cooks achieve perfectly prepared salmon with minimal stress or technical skills.

Essential Ingredients for Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

• Salmon Fillet (2-3 lb): Fresh center-cut piece with skin on, perfect for absorbing those amazing smoky cedar flavors.

• Cedar Plank (1): Soaking this wooden board for 2 hours helps prevent burning and infuses your salmon with incredible woodsy notes.

• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons), Garlic (2 cloves), Lemon (1), Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon), Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These ingredients work together to enhance the salmon’s natural richness and add bright, fresh layers of flavor.

• Lemon Wedges, Dill Sprigs: These final touches bring extra zest and visual appeal to your beautiful grilled salmon.

Tools To Have Ready for Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

• Cedar Plank (12×6 inches): Your flavor-infusing platform that adds a subtle woodsy taste to the salmon. Choose a food-safe plank specifically designed for grilling.
• Large Container or Sink: Perfect for soaking your cedar plank completely underwater and keeping it weighted down.
• Grill: Your primary cooking surface – gas or charcoal will work perfectly for this method.
• Tongs (12-inch): Essential for safely handling hot planks and moving salmon without burning your hands.
• Digital Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure your salmon reaches the perfect safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• Sharp Knife: Great for patting salmon dry, trimming edges, and slicing fresh lemon.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean workspace for preparing salmon and slicing ingredients.
• Basting Brush: Helpful for evenly spreading olive oil across the salmon’s surface.
• Grill-Safe Spatula: Allows careful transfer of salmon from grill to serving platter if desired.

Cooking Method for Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Key Cooking Insights For Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

• Soak your cedar plank completely underwater with a weight on top so it doesn’t float around during soaking.
• Create a two-zone grill setup with medium heat, which helps cook salmon evenly without burning your beautiful fish.
• Dry your salmon thoroughly before adding a light olive oil rub and fresh seasonings, ensuring spices stick perfectly to the fish.
• Heat your soaked plank for a few minutes before adding salmon, which helps prevent sticking and starts infusing wood flavor immediately.
• Watch your salmon carefully and remove when it flakes easily with a fork, checking internal temperature reaches 135-140F for perfect moisture and safety.

Different Takes On Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

• Smoky Indoor Salmon: When outdoor grilling isn’t possible, bake salmon on a preheated cedar plank in a 375F oven, maintaining the same wood-infused flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Variation: Swap dill for fresh rosemary or thyme, adding a different herbal complexity that complements the salmon’s rich texture.
• Spicy Citrus Spin: Replace lemon slices with orange slices and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a zesty, warm flavor that kicks up the traditional recipe’s profile.
• Gluten-Free Clean Protein: Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free and serve alongside roasted vegetables for a clean, straightforward meal that works perfectly for restricted diets.

What Pairs Well With Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

• Serve Fresh Salad: Pair this grilled salmon with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich fish flavors.
• Wine Selection: Grab a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio – its bright acidity perfectly balances the smoky cedar and salmon’s richness.
• Simple Side Dish: Roast some asparagus or baby potatoes alongside the salmon for a quick and elegant vegetable accompaniment that matches the dish’s clean, fresh profile.
• Plating Recommendation: Slide the salmon right off the cedar plank onto warmed plates, letting guests appreciate the beautiful wood-infused presentation and subtle smoky aroma.

Storage Instructions For Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

• Soak your cedar plank completely underwater with a weight on top so it doesn’t float around. A ceramic plate works perfectly for keeping it down.
• Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cedar flavor keeps beautifully for 2-3 days and tastes amazing when reheated gently.
• Wrap extra dry cedar planks in plastic wrap and store them in a cool, dry cabinet. They’ll stay fresh for months and be ready whenever salmon calls your name.
• Transfer your cooked salmon to a fresh plank or serving plate right after resting to prevent the wood from continuing to cook the fish and drying it out.

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Common Queries

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling cedar plank salmon delivers a smoky wilderness flavor that connects you directly to Pacific Northwest cooking traditions. Grilling this delicate fish on aromatic wood infuses each bite with rustic, earthy richness perfect for weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 salmon fillet, skin-on, center cut

Main Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1 lemon

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 cedar plank
• Salt
• 1 freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 extra lemon wedge
• 1 dill sprig

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Instructions

1. Submerge the cedar plank completely underwater for 2 hours, using a weight to keep it from floating. This prevents the wood from burning quickly during grilling.
2. Configure your grill for medium heat at 350F. For gas grills, deactivate one burner. For charcoal grills, push hot coals to one side to create indirect heating zones.
3. Thoroughly dry the 2.3 lb salmon fillet with paper towels. Massage 2 tablespoons olive oil across the entire surface. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper evenly.
4. Spread 2 minced garlic cloves over the salmon. Arrange 3-4 thin lemon slices across the top. Dust 1 tablespoon fresh dill over the entire fillet.
5. Position the presoaked plank on the hot grill. Close the lid and allow the wood to heat for 5 minutes until it starts releasing a mild, smoky aroma.
6. Gently transfer the salmon onto the plank, positioning it skin-side down. Close the grill lid and cook for 20-25 minutes until the fish easily flakes and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140F.
7. Remove the plank using long tongs or a grill-safe spatula. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and additional lemon wedges. Serve directly on the cedar plank for a rustic presentation.

Notes

• Soaking the cedar plank prevents burning and adds a subtle smoky flavor to your salmon, so don’t skip this crucial step.
• Choose a fresh salmon fillet with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking across the entire piece.
• When checking salmon’s doneness, look for a slight translucency in the center and easily flaking texture, which indicates perfectly cooked fish.
• For a gluten-free and low-carb option, swap out any seasonings with fresh herbs and keep the core recipe exactly the same.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Salmon
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 31 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg