The BEST Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe!
This Cedar Plank Salmon recipe is one of the most flavorful ways to enjoy salmon. With just 5 ingredients, this Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is not only simple to make, it’s healthy and tastes amazing!
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The Easiest Way to do Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon!
Have you ever made and ate a meal and then when finished ask yourself, “Why don’t I make this more often?” That’s what I said to myself last night after making this super delicious and easy Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.
With just 5 ingredients; lemon, garlic, dill, salt and pepper along with the salmon, this cedar plank salmon recipe is super easy to make. If you’ve never grilled on a cedar plank before, no worries. I’ve got all the tips, tricks and ways to make this salmon recipe a breeze!
Here’s how this simple, healthy, delicious Cedar Plank Salmon comes together:
Step 1: Start by soaking your cedar plank in water before grilling
Soaking your cedar plank in water prevents the wood from going up in flames with your food along with it. You can do this by filling a large roasting pan with water, a couple inches deep, and submerging the plank.
The cedar plank will give the salmon a subtle, yet very flavorful smokey flavor. When using the cedar plank, you don’t need a fancy glaze or a heavy tarter sauce to accompany the fish. It is simply perfect with just a few ingredients.
How long do you soak cedar planks?
I recommend soaking your cedar plank for a minimum of 15-30 minutes.
Can you reuse cedar planks for salmon?
No. Cedar planks for grilling are one-time use only. By the time you are done grilling the plank will be rather charred on the bottom, and the top will have fish on it. Don’t keep it – throw it way!
Where do I find cedar planks for grilling?
You can find cedar planks almost anywhere grilling supplies are sold. You can get this 12-Pack of Cedar Grilling Planks on Amazon.
Rule of caution: DO NOT use a regular piece of wood you would get at a hardware store. Home building lumber has typically been chemically treated and is not intended to be used for cooking.
How long does it take to grill cedar plank salmon?
Depending on the thickness of the filets, it does not take long. For a thinner filet, with a gas grill set on medium heat, cook time will be approximately 8-10 minutes. Thicker filets will likely need more time; approximately 10-12 minutes or more.. For a salmon steak, cook time will be approximately 15 minutes.
How do you know when cedar plank salmon is done?
You can test salmon for doneness by using a fork to gently pull back the meat from the skin. If the inside is still rather red or pink, it will need more time to cook. If the meat color has changed slightly and appears to be less moist, it’s done.
Do you need to flip fish on a cedar plank?
No. The fish can stay in place without flipping. The meat will cook all the way through on one side of the cedar plank.
Is salmon healthy?
Yes, definitely! Salmon is a super-food and contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential in the body. It’s also a great source of protein and iron.
Here are a few other healthy fish recipes that you might enjoy:
- Sheet Pan Citrus Salmon and Asparagus
- Maple Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
- Grilled Salmon Salad
- Healthy Salmon Tacos
- Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
What goes with cedar plank salmon?
Salmon is very versatile and goes with potatoes, salads and fresh vegetables. Here are a few ideas that are great sides with this grilled cedar plank salmon:
- Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad (pictured above, plated with the salmon)
- Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Red Potatoes
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Tropical Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Cucumber Tomato and Avocado Salad
- Tomato Basil and Mozzarella Salad
- Roasted Carrot Salad with Apples and Pistachios
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Garden Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
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Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Equipment
- Cedar Planks for Grilling Ideal for grilling salmon, chicken, vegetables and more, these cedar planks infuse great flavor to your food.
- Grilling Tongs These stainless steel grilling tongs by OXO are perfect for quick grilling.
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz. salmon fillets or one large half salmon
- 1 lemon for juice
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill minced
- Fresh ground Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- 30 minutes prior to grilling, prepare your cedar plank by soaking it in water. (A large roasting pan filled with a couple inches of water works well. Submerge the plank in water by holding it down with a heavy item like a bottle of wine or jar of sauce.) Let the plank soak fully for at least 2 hours. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP!
- Using an outdoor gas or charcoal grill, light it for medium high heat. Don’t use a cedar plank indoors.
- When plank has been soaked, place your fully thawed salmon fillets on the plank. Sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper to your taste. Next sprinkle on the minced garlic and dill. Lastly, slice the lemon in half. Squeeze one half of the juice of the lemon onto the fillets. Slice the other half of the lemon in slices, then the slices in halves. Place the halves on top of the salmon.
- Place the prepared salmon onto the hot grill. Check the salmon on occasion to ensure the plank isn’t flaming up. Use a spray bottle filled with water to shoot out any flare-ups. Grill for 12-15 minutes, or when salmon flakes. For a thicker salmon, increase grill time appropriately. Safely remove the hot plank from the grill with grilling tongs. Transporting on a baking sheet works well, as the plank will be very hot.
- Serve right away with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Salmon is one of my favorite foods and this recipe looks incredible! Might just have to make this for dinner tonight! 🙂
Oh how I wish I had some salmon to make this tonight! Of course I would also need a new barbecue, but it would be worth it. It looks incredibly delicious Erin. 🙂
Cedar Plank Salmon is my husband’s favorite! He orders it every chance he gets!
This is so easy to do at home, Sandy!! Your husband will love you even more once you make this salmon at home and not have to go out for it! Enjoy!! ~Erin
I’ve never made cedar planked salmon! Dying to try it this year though now that the weather is getting nicer. Sounds delish!
Trish
Definitely making this! I have some planks in the pantry too! I love salmon, and this looks delicious!
Bust out those planks, get ’em soaking and you’ll have an amazing dinner in no time! 😉 Hope you get to enjoy soon, Michelle! Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Erin
Erin, this looks unbelievable! For some reason, I rarely make fish at home but this looks so gorgeous I just have to try it for myself 🙂
Thanks, Amy!! Give it a try – its pretty easy, and tastes amazing! Hope you get to enjoy soon. ~E
We love salmon and it’s always nice to have several recipes. The looks and sounds amazing. Found you from a hop. Stop by any time. Theresa
Oh how I LOVE cedar plank grilled salmon. Yours looks totally delicious. Pinned and sharing on social media. Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Mondays!
We hardly ever make or eat salmon, but I absolutely LOVE it!! Your recipe looks mouthwatering…definitely pinning to make this summer! Thanks for sharing all your fabulous recipes with us at SNF!
Thanks so much, Cathy! Definitely a great summer dinner – super easy to make, tastes amazing! Hope you get to enjoy soon. ~Erin
I am featuring this tomorrow on my Tasty Tuesday blog hop. I’d love if you’d stop by and link up again. Make sure you grab a featured button!
Julia @ Mini Van Dreams
This looks so delicious, I had to feature it for this week’s Create & Share party that goes live at 6pm PST! I can’t wait to see what you’ve been cooking this week!
http://mrsthreeinthree.com/2014/04/create-share-diy-recipe-party-3.html
-Karly
Thanks so much, Karley!! xoxo
Erin, this is beautiful, and your photography is gorgeous. I’m so glad you brought this to Treasure Box Tuesday- I’m sharing on Facebook this evening at 8:00 p.m. CST! 🙂
Thanks so much Joy!!
Cedar lumber at a hardware store is not chemically treated because it’s naturally resistant to decay and insects. Treating or coating it would defeat the purpose of using cedar, because it’s not as strong as most other woods. I worked in the forest industry for twelve years and it was a running joke to consider how much people pay for cedar cut into small grilling planks when it’s the same thing as the boards in the lumber yard.
Thank you for the feedback, Marc. You could certainly stop by the hardware store and pick up some cedar. That’s a great idea.
I put the caveat out there simply to keep people from grilling with a random piece of lumber. Some people may not be aware of lightly varnished wood, or something that may have been previously painted, or pretreated.
I hope you get to enjoy the cedar plank salmon, Marc. Happy Summer!
I have never liked Salmon, but always try it (the hubby loves it) and have never found a way that I like it until your recipe. I just started Paleo and wanted to add Salmon into my routine somehow since I know how good it is for me. Just wanted to say thanks!
Marisa, I’m so happy that this recipe has brought you to enjoy this great fish! I hope you get to enjoy it again soon. All the best, ~Erin
Any suggestion for a wine that pairs well with this dish?
Thank you, and thanks for this recipe I am soaking my planks at this very moment.
Hi Steve! I would go with a nice Chardonnay or Pino Grigio. The pino will go especially well with the slightly smokey notes that the salmon will have. Enjoy!! ~Erin
I think it is only fair that I come back and leave a compliment. Simply started, I will never cook Cedar Plank Salmon any other way then this. Incredible, in one word. Thanks for the recipe an I will be sure to check out the rest of your recipes as well. You’ve won my wife and myself over. 🙂
The only thing I did different (but not really) was that instead of table salt, I used Pink Himalayan Salt.
PS, Chardonnay (Horse Haven Hills, 2013) went very will with this and the only thing we had on the side was a Rosemary loaf broiled with Avocado oil.
Thanks again for an incredible recipe. 🙂
Thanks so much, Steve!! So glad you and your wife enjoyed it. Happy Summer! ~Erin
3/8″ or 1/2″ planks? which is better?
I would definitely go with the 3/8″ – the 1/2″ is a bit too thick. I’ve always used the 3/8″ plank and have had great success with getting a nice smokey char. The 3/8″ holds up well, and is still very sturdy once the cooking is done and you need to trasfer the plank over back in the house afterwards. Enjoy!! ~Erin
Totally YUMMO! Wild Sockeye Salmon was on sale @ Fred Meyer today for only $5.99 Boy do I love the Pacific NW! Your recipe was amazing, I added my homemade Emeril’s seasoning, Lemon Pepper, and Olive Oil. DELISH! I’m your newest FB fan!! THANKS!!
Yeahhhh!!! Victory! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much! ~Erin
Now THAT’S what’s for dinner! thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
This salmon looks amazing! Thanks for linkin’ up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday. Pinned and shared! Can’t wait to see what you bring to the party this week.
What a classic! And the photos are lovely! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
I have to try this! This Salmon looks amazing! Thank you for sharing on Tasty Tuesday’s 🙂
You have some amazing recipes on your blog. We love salmon at our house. Thanks for sharing with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party.
nice