Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon

Name: Cedar Plank Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) each; 4 cedar planks, 6 inches (15cm) long; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 lemons, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 cup white wine; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

By Noelle Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Salmon

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

Cedar Plank Salmon — Grilled to perfection

As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. There's something special about cooking with the freshest ingredients, and when it comes to salmon, I just can't get enough. In this recipe, I'll show you how to prepare Cedar Plank Salmon, a dish that's both impressive and easy to make.

I remember my first time cooking with cedar planks - it was a game-changer. The smoky flavor and the ease of preparation made it a staple in my household. And the best part? It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, let's dive in and explore the world of Cedar Plank Salmon!

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be able to create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. And don't worry if you're new to cooking with seafood - I'll guide you through every step of the way.

So, what makes this recipe special? For starters, the combination of the smoky cedar plank and the rich flavor of the salmon is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep time and a short cooking time, you'll be enjoying a delicious seafood dinner in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time.
The combination of the cedar plank and the salmon is a match made in heaven.
The recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The salmon stays moist and flavorful thanks to the cedar plank.
The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and ingredients.
The dish is impressive and sure to impress your family and friends.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of the cedar plank and the salmon. The cedar plank adds a smoky flavor to the salmon, while the salmon provides a rich and tender texture. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to cook. By cooking the salmon on the cedar plank, you'll be able to achieve a perfectly cooked piece of fish every time.

The science behind this recipe is simple: the cedar plank acts as a barrier between the salmon and the heat, allowing the fish to cook slowly and evenly. This helps to prevent the salmon from becoming overcooked or dry, and instead, it stays moist and flavorful.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the temperature. By cooking the salmon to 145 F (63 C), you'll be able to achieve a perfectly cooked piece of fish. And the best part? It's easy to check the temperature using an instant-read thermometer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to ingredients, this recipe is all about simplicity. You'll need just a few basic ingredients, including salmon fillets, cedar planks, olive oil, salt, and pepper. And the best part? You can customize the recipe with your favorite seasonings and ingredients.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest salmon fillets you can find. And don't forget to pick up some cedar planks - they're easy to find at most grocery stores or home goods stores.

4 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) eachLook for fresh, sustainable salmon fillets with a nice fat content. You can also use other types of fish, such as trout or tilapia, but salmon works best for this recipe.
4 cedar planks, 6 inches (15cm) longCedar planks can be found at most grocery stores or home goods stores. Make sure to choose planks that are specifically designed for grilling.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil with a mild flavor to avoid overpowering the salmon.
1 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as Himalayan pink salt or smoked salt.
1/2 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or green pepper.
2 lemons, cut into wedgesUse fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can also use other types of citrus, such as limes or oranges.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also use other types of herbs, such as dill or basil.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use other types of garlic, such as roasted garlic or garlic powder.
1 tsp dried thymeUse high-quality dried thyme for the best flavor. You can also use fresh thyme or other types of herbs.
1/4 cup white wineUse a dry white wine for the best flavor. You can also use other types of wine, such as red wine or sparkling wine.
2 tbsp unsalted butterUse high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. You can also use other types of butter, such as salted butter or browned butter.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or grillInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardSpatulaTongsPlate

How to Make Cedar Plank Salmon

1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400 F (200 C).
2
Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4
Place the cedar planks on the grill and let them heat up for 2-3 minutes.
5
Place the salmon fillets on the cedar planks, skin side down (if they have skin).
6
Close the grill lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches 145 F (63 C) on an instant-read thermometer.
7
While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8
Add the garlic and white wine to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly.
9
Remove the salmon from the grill and place it on a plate.
10
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
11
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Make sure to preheat your grill to the correct temperature to ensure that the salmon cooks evenly.
Don't overcrowd the grill - cook the salmon fillets one at a time if necessary.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't press down on the salmon with your spatula - this can cause it to become dense and lose its flavor.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not preheating the grill to the correct temperature.
Overcrowding the grill with too many salmon fillets.
Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.
Pressing down on the salmon with your spatula.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of fish, such as trout or tilapia.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or cumin.
Add some heat to your dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Use a different type of wood plank, such as alder or maple.
Add some acidity to your dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Try serving the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa.

What to Serve With Cedar Plank Salmon

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a salad. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a baguette for a more indulgent option.

For a special occasion, try serving the salmon with a side of grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Roasted vegetablesQuinoaSaladGarlic breadBaguetteGrilled asparagus

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish is best served fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

To freeze the salmon, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the grill.

To reheat the salmon, simply place it in the oven at 350 F (175 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's heated through.

When reheating the salmon, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that it reaches 145 F (63 C). You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of parsley to brighten up the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, but wild-caught Alaskan or Pacific salmon works best. Look for fresh, sustainable salmon fillets with a nice fat content.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C) on an instant-read thermometer. You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fish - it should flake easily and be opaque and firm to the touch.

Can I use a different type of wood plank?

Yes, you can use a different type of wood plank, such as alder or maple. Just make sure to soak the plank in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent it from burning.

How do I store the salmon after it's cooked?

You can store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply place the salmon in the container and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze the salmon?

Yes, you can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer until you're ready to serve.

How do I reheat the salmon?

You can reheat the salmon in the oven at 350 F (175 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's heated through.

What are some good sides to serve with the salmon?

Some good sides to serve with the salmon include roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a salad. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a baguette for a more indulgent option.

Can I make this recipe for a large group?

Yes, you can make this recipe for a large group. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the salmon in batches if necessary. You can also use a larger cedar plank or multiple planks to cook the salmon in one batch.

The Full Recipe

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