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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the plank using long tongs or a grill-safe spatula. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- 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