Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
This Cedar Plank Salmon is one of my favorite quick grill recipes. In under an hour, the salmon, olive oil, and cedar plank come together to create a smoky and super flavorful main dish. I love that it is simple to prepare yet delivers an impressive meal that your family will love every time.
Ingredients
- 2 8- ounce salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cedar plank
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Submerge the cedar planks into a casserole dish filled halfway with water and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will ensure the plank does not catch fire when grilling. I like to place a few forks over the top of the planks to ensure they are submerged.
- Pre-heat your grill to medium-high heat, anywhere between 400° and 450°.
- Pat dry the salmon fillets on both sides with a paper towel.
- Next, rub it down with oil on all sides and then generously season it with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets onto the cedar plank making sure no parts of it are hanging off.
- Add the plank directly to the grill, close the grill door, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes or until the salmon is browned on top and cooked throughout.
- Serve with melted butter and lemon juice.
Notes
I highly recommend for making my Cedar Plank Salmon to keep the grill lid closed while it cooks. This helps trap the smoke and heat, giving the salmon a deep smoky flavor and ensuring it stays moist and tender from start to finish.
Plank size: I make sure my cedar planks are big enough to hold the whole piece of fish.
Wood choice: I sometimes switch it up and use cherry, maple, hickory, oak, or alder planks for different flavors.
One-time use: I never reuse a cedar plank after cooking on it.
Grill temperature: I preheat the grill to the right temperature for even cooking and smoky flavor.
Soaking: I soak the cedar planks for at least 30 minutes so they do not burn on the grill.
For Cooking in the Oven: Follow Steps 1 through 5, then preheat your oven to 450°. Place the water-soaked cedar planks onto a sheet tray and place the salmon on top of the cedar planks before putting everything into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned and cooked throughout.
Make-Ahead: The salmon is meant to be eaten as soon as it is done cooking.
How to Store: The best way to store this salmon is in a plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be stored in a plastic container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat: Place the salmon on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper or in a pan and cook in the oven at 350° for 6 to 8 minutes or until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 427kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 28gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 153mgPotassium: 706mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 407IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg