This cedar plank salmon is a dish my brother prepared for me in Seattle. The salmon is moist, smoky, and by far the best I’ve ever eaten. I like to serve it with Asian-style rice and asparagus.
This cedar plank salmon recipe delivers a wonderfully smoky flavor that your dinner guests won’t resist.
Ingredients
- 3 (12-inch) untreated cedar planks
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 (2 pounds) salmon fillets, skin removed
Why Grill Salmon on a Cedar Plank?
Grilling on a cedar plank gives salmon a subtle smokiness that adds complexity and adds flavor. Grilling on a plank means you don’t have to worry about the salmon falling through the grill grates.
How to Cook Cedar Plank Salmon
You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let’s go over the basics:
Cedar Planked Salmon Marinade
The salmon marinade keeps the fish moist while adding tons of savory flavor:
- Soy sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Fresh ginger
- Minced garlic
How to Cook Salmon On a Cedar Plank
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make cedar plank salmon:
- Soak the cedar planks.
- Make the marinade.
- Grill the planks until they start to smoke and crackle.
- Place the salmon on the planks, close the grill, and grill until the salmon is flaky.
How Long to Cook Salmon On a Cedar Plank
Salmon cooked on soaked cedar planks on a grill preheated to medium heat should flake perfectly with a fork after about 20 minutes. Don’t forget that the fish will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat.
What to Serve With Cedar Plank Salmon
Explore our collection of Best Side Dishes for Salmon for delicious serving inspiration. Here are a few of the top-rated ideas you’ll find:
- Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes
- Easy Garlic Kale
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus
How to cook Cedar Plank Salmon:
Soak Cedar Planks in water for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before grilling. (This is an easy step to do the night before or the morning of).
Make Glaze: Stir the brown sugar and Dijon mustard together until smooth. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
Prep Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, set the grill for indirect grilling (so the cedar planks don’t catch fire). For a two-burner grill, turn one burner off and place cedar planks on the unlit side. For a three or four-burner grill, turn off the middle burner(s) and place cedar planks in the center.
Add cedar planks: Place pre-soaked cedar planks on the hot grate, over indirect heat, and close the lid. Leave the plank until there is a smoky smell, about 4-5 minutes.
Rotate planks and place salmon, skin side down, on top. Spread a spoonful of mustard mixture on top of each filet and add a thin slice of lemon, if desired. Close the grill lid.
Cedar Plank Salmon: FAQ’s
Where to buy Cedar Planks:
You can buy cedar planks at most grocery stores, kitchen supply stores, or on Amazon. They are an affordable and non-threatening solution to achieving wood-smoked flavor without fancy equipment.
Can I reuse Cedar Planks:
I don’t recommend reusing the cedar planks as they absorb the flavor of whatever you cook on them and often get charred and difficult to clean.
How to tell if salmon is cooked?
Salmon is cooked perfectly when the salmon is flaky on the outside and has a soft and moist center, 125 degrees F (medium rare) to 140 degrees F maximum. Remove it a few degrees shy of the desired temperature, cover and allow it to rest. Keep in mind it will continue to cook a little as it rests on the hot cedar plank.
Can I cook Cedar Plank Salmon in the oven?
Yes, you can cook cedar plank salmon in the oven as well, but you won’t achieve as strong of a flavor as you’d get from the grill. Cook salmon on cedar planks in a 375 degrees F oven, for about 15-25 minutes (depending on thickness) or until 125-135 degrees F. Remove it a few degrees shy of the desired temperature, cover and allow to rest.
Recipe!
Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- pan
Ingredients
- 3 12-inch untreated cedar planks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp drops sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
Instructions
- Soak Cedar Planks in water for at least 2hours, or up to 24 hours, before grilling. (This is an easy step to do thenight before or the morning of).
- Make Glaze: Stir the brown sugar and Dijon mustard together until smooth. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Prep Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, set the grill for indirect grilling (so the cedar planks don’t catch fire). For a two-burner grill, turn one burner off and place cedar planks on the unlit side. For a three or four-burner grill, turn off the middle burner(s) and place cedar planks in the center
- Add cedar planks: Place pre-soaked cedar planks on the hot grate, over indirect heat, and close the lid. Leave the tank until there is a smoky smell, about 4-5 minutes.
- Rotate planks and place salmon, skin side down,on top. Spread a spoonful of mustard mixture on top of each filet and add a thin slice of lemon, if desired. Close the grill lid.
- Enjoy!