Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
The smoky flavor of cedar helps make this salmon dish the easiest and tastiest you've ever made! Cedar Plank Salmon is easy, delicious and healthy! Salmon is infused with subtle smoke using a cedar plank on the grill—no fuss, with easy clean up.
How to Make the Best Cedar Plank Salmon
Cedar plank salmon is one of those impressive dishes that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, it’s one of the simplest ways to cook fish. The secret is in the cedar plank itself—as it heats on the grill, it releases aromatic smoke that infuses the salmon with a subtle, woodsy flavor that you simply can’t replicate with any other cooking method.
This recipe is all about letting quality ingredients shine. Wild salmon, a touch of olive oil, and simple seasonings are all you need. The cedar plank does the heavy lifting, creating a gentle cooking environment that keeps the fish incredibly moist while adding that signature smoky essence. It’s healthy, delicious, and cleanup is a breeze since the plank catches any drippings.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special, cedar plank salmon delivers every time. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that celebrates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
Cedar Plank Salmon
The smoky flavor of cedar helps make this salmon dish the easiest and tastiest you've ever made! Cedar Plank Salmon is easy, delicious and healthy! Salmon is infused with subtle smoke using a cedar plank on the grill—no fuss, with easy clean up.
Ingredients
Cedar Plank Salmon
Instructions
Cedar Plank Salmon
- Soak cedar plank in water 1-2 hours.
- Pre-heat grill to medium (400-450°F).
- Brush salmon liberally with olive oil and sprinkle all sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Set on a plate in the fridge. Alternatively, you could use 2 tablespoons Northwest Salmon Rub.
- Place the cedar plank on the grill (without the salmon), cover and grill the plank until it smells wonderful and grill marks appear, about 4 minutes. Turn the cedar plank over.
- Place the salmon on the grilled cedar plank, lower heat to low (300°F), cover, and grill the salmon low and slow until cooked to medium (130-135°F), about 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the filets. Add the thyme halfway through.
Notes
- Thicker cuts of salmon work best for this recipe as they stay moist during grilling.
- Northwest Salmon Rub can be used instead of salt, pepper, and lemon zest for a more complex flavor.
- Make sure the cedar plank is fully submerged while soaking to prevent it from catching fire on the grill.
