This cedar plank salmon has the perfect smoky flavor with bursts of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. My family is obsessed — taste and see why!
Why use a cedar plank to grill salmon? The cedar wood imparts an amazing smoky flavor to the fish and keeps it tender and moist. Imagine an evergreen forest with a rushing stream… this cedar plank salmon will make the vision come alive and dance on your tastebuds.
Grilled salmon is a year-round staple for our family, whether we’re hosting or it’s just the four of us. Whenever I pull out the grill, everybody knows it’s time to feast! There’s nothing better than coming around the table and digging into a mouthwatering assortment of fresh sides paired with the flavor of salmon. I’ve been perfecting this cedar plank salmon recipe for years, and I’m finally ready to share it with you all.
Cedar Planked Salmon Video
How To Make Cedar Planked Salmon
As a mom of teenage boys, I love recipes that are easy and quick — and this cedar plank salmon is exactly that. Start by soaking the plank, then pull out your grill and get ready to feed hungry bellies!
- Soak the plank: Soak the cedar plank in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to three hours.
- Make the herb butter topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic parsley salt, fresh garlic, and dill.
- Preheat the grill and season the salmon: Preheat the grill to 400°F. Place the salmon skin-side down on the plank and brush it with the herb butter topping.
- Grill the salmon: Grill the salmon for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Top with additional herbs if desired and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cedar Plank Salmon
While testing this recipe, I’ve caught more cedar planks on fire than I’m willing to admit. Learn from my mistakes and follow these tips for smokin’ grilled salmon — not literally — with the perfect flavor.
- Choose the right plank. Any old plank of wood won’t do — look for a cedar plank that’s made specifically for grilling salmon, as the flavor will absorb into the fish. I find my planks at Costco or order online.
- Soak the plank sufficiently. To decrease the chances of the plank catching on fire, soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes (but the longer, the better). This also helps release more smoky flavor!
- Get the grill HOT. Preheating the grill properly ensures the salmon develops a nice caramelized crust.
- Close the grill hood. Keep the heat trapped inside as the salmon cooks for a mouthwatering texture.
- Keep a spray bottle handy. This is a lifesaver if your plank catches on fire! Give the board a quick spritz and continue grilling stress-free.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon. Overcooked salmon is notoriously dry and tough to chew. Ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part — 145°F is the sweet spot. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Ways To Serve
Cedar plank grilled salmon is an irreplaceable dish in our household. My favorite way to serve it is fresh off the grill with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or pico de gallo. Now let’s talk sides… while the grill is out, whip up a batch of grilled potatoes and grilled zucchini and squash to get those veggies in. Are you craving a fresh salad? I highly recommend our garden cucumber and tomato salad or pear and walnut salad for a sweeter offering. Bon appétit!
Storage & Reheating
This cedar plank salmon recipe is a phenomenal solution to cancelled dinner plans, busy weeknights, and lack of motivation to cook. Trust me — I’ve been there. It stores well and reheats easily!
- Refrigerator: To store for up to four days, allow the cooked salmon to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheating: Low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to reheating salmon. Warm it in the oven at 275°F for about 15 minutes, or on a covered skillet set over medium-low heat. I don’t recommend using the microwave, as it dries out the salmon too much.
Hot tip: Rub a bit of olive oil over the salmon or add a squeeze of lemon juice before reheating for extra moisture.
More Salmon Recipes
- Best Oven-Baked Salmon — Fall-apart texture with a crispy exterior
- Salmon Cakes — An easy and delicious way to use up canned salmon!
- Salmon Stir Fry — Tender salmon bites and veggies tossed in a brown sugar-ginger sauce
- Salmon Florentine — Salmon, mushrooms, and spinach with a creamy sauce
- Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies — Healthy and easy sheet pan dinner with salmon and your favorite veggies
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cedar plank
- 2 lb salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic parsley salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the cedar plank by soaking it in water for at least 30 minutes (even up to 3 hours).
- Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared cedar plank. Preheat the grill to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic parsley salt, fresh garlic, and dill.
- Brush the herb butter mixture over the salmon.
- Place the plank onto the grill grates and cook the salmon for about 15 minutes (no need to flip!), or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Top with your favorite herbs & enjoy!
Can I do this in the air fryer?
Hey Anna, We have "Perfect Air Fryer Salmon" and "Air Fryer Salmon Bites" which are delicious salmon air fryer recipes. I recommend you refer to those if looking to make salmon in the air fryer. Enjoy! 🙂