Serve your loved ones a restaurant-style meal with this grilled cedar plank salmon recipe. The cedar adds a smoky flavor that sets this salmon apart.
Table of Contents
Easy Cedar Plank Salmon on the Grill
Flaky, earthy, rich, these are some of the best ways to describe this grilled plank salmon recipe. Oh yes, and delicious, of course!
If you want a dish that feels “fancy” but takes little effort to put together, you’re in luck, because I’ve figured out how to make it stress-free, drama-free, and no-hassle. All you need are some salmon fillets, a wonderfully simple spice mix, your grill, and a few cedar planks, which can be purchased at your local grocery or hardware store.
I love a good salmon meal, which is why I’ve written about it a few times! It’s one of my family’s faves when it comes to seafood. Try my recipe for air fryer salmon bites if you’re looking for more of this tasty catch.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $2.13
Recipe Cost: $12.80
Here’s everything you need to make this cedar plank grilled salmon recipe, including simple substitutions.
- 2 pounds salmon fillets (skin on, $11.99) – Look for fresh, center-cut salmon fillets with the skin still on. The skin helps protect the fish as it grills and makes it easier to handle. Wild-caught salmon is ideal for flavor, but any good-quality fillet will work.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.43) – A light coat of olive oil keeps the salmon from drying out and helps the seasoning stick. Avocado oil is a good swap.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt ($0.06) – Salt is essential here. It draws out moisture just enough to concentrate the fish’s flavor and helps the top of the fish develop a slight crust. Kosher salt works; just increase the amount slightly.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ($0.13) – Freshly ground adds the best aroma and bite. Feel free to adjust to your preference.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder $(0.05) – Adds mellow depth and a bit of savory backbone to the seasoning mix.
- ½ teaspoon paprika ($0.14) – This brings color and a hint of warmth. Smoked paprika is lovely here if you want to double down on that wood-fired flavor.
- Lemons (for serving, optional) – A bright squeeze of lemon at the end wakes everything up and cuts through the richness of the fish. You could also serve with lemon zest or grilled lemon halves for extra flair.
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
How To Grill Salmon On A Cedar Plank
Soak the plank, season the salmon, preheat and char the plank, then grill the fish low and slow on the smoky cedar until just cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side. Let me show you how:
- Soak cedar planks in a sheet pan with water for at least one hour. Be sure to place a heavy object on top of the board to prevent it from floating. Preheat the grill to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lightly brush the salmon with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the salmon with the seasoning blend.
- Remove the soaked planks from the water and lightly dry them with a paper towel. Then, place the plank on the grill, smooth side down, and close the lid.
- When the plank begins to smoke and is lightly charred (5-7 minutes), remove it from the grill.
- Place the seasoned salmon skin side down on the plank. (The plank should be charred side up!)
- Put the plank back on the grill and close the lid.
- Cook until the salmon is opaque in the center and begins to brown slightly around the edges, about 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should hit about 140 degrees F.
- Transfer the plank and salmon to a heatproof surface. Serve with lemon wedges and a side dish of your choice!
Top Recipe Tips For Success
Don’t skip the plank charring step. It’s where that deep, smoky flavor starts.
Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness without guessing. Aim for 140°F for juicy, perfectly cooked salmon.
Keep the lid closed. This traps the heat and smoke, cooking the salmon evenly and boosting that woodsy aroma.
Perfect Pairings
Serve your cedar plank salmon with:
- Grilled asparagus or zucchini
- A cold pasta salad or a simple arugula salad
- Herbed potato wedges
- Rice pilaf with orzo
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Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Equipment
- Cedar planks
- rimmed sheet pan
- grill
- small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or large spatula
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon filets skin on
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
FOR SERVING:
- Lemons
Instructions
- Start by soaking the cedar planks. Place them in a sheet pan filled with water and weigh them down with a heavy object to prevent floating. Let soak for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Lightly brush the salmon fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the top.
- Remove the soaked planks from the water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the cedar plank on the grill, smooth side down. Close the lid and heat until the plank starts to smoke and lightly chars, about 5–7 minutes. Remove it from the grill.
- Lay the seasoned salmon, skin side down, on the preheated, charred side of the plank. Put the planks back on the grill. Close the grill lid and cook until the salmon is opaque in the center and has begun to brown slightly around the edges, about 20–25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach around 140°F.
- Carefully transfer the plank with the cooked salmon to a heat-proof surface.
- Serve the salmon with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.
Notes
Nutrition
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Grilled Cedar Planked Salmon Recipe FAQs
This should yield approximately six servings from 2 pounds of salmon fillets.
The preparation time is just 10 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 1 hour. (Make sure the salmon reaches 140°F, though. Don’t go by time cooked!) You’ll also want to soak the planks for an hour, though that’s hands-off.
This is so they don’t catch on fire while on the grill and ruin your meal or worse. It’s a crucial step you don’t want to skip!
I’ve found them at the grocery store, but they’re also available at any hardware store. If all else fails, head online!
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