Grilled Salmon — Cedar Plank Style
Infuse salmon with smoky cedar flavor using a simple grilling technique. Impress guests with this easy, flavorful dish.
Infuse salmon with smoky cedar flavor using a simple grilling technique. Impress guests with this easy, flavorful dish.
Soak the cedar plank thoroughly to prevent it from catching fire and to ensure it steams the salmon.
The fit, timing, and key move are all here. If it is a yes, go straight into cook mode.
Infuse salmon with smoky cedar flavor using a simple grilling technique. Impress guests with this easy, flavorful dish.
Set your units, then drop the ingredients into grocery if this is happening later.
What matters before the pan gets hot
The shortest path to understanding the dish, the key move, and whether tonight is the right time to cook it.
The Hook
**The cedar plank is the key to adding subtle smokiness and keeping the salmon incredibly moist.**
The Technique
The cedar plank, when heated, releases aromatic oils that infuse the salmon with flavor. The plank also creates a barrier between the fish and the direct heat of the grill, preventing it from drying out.
The History
Cedar plank salmon grilling is believed to have originated with Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest, who used cedar planks to cook salmon over open fires.
Food Facts
Sourced notes. Tap to verify.
Grilling cooks food using radiant heat from below (and hot convection air around it). Because the heat is intense and direct, grill marks and fast browning happen quickly, so timing and turning matter.
Infuse salmon with smoky cedar flavor using a simple grilling technique. Impress guests with this easy, flavorful dish.
Nutrition per Serving
Estimated valuesSatiety
Data estimatedTechnique, context, and fallback plans
The reason the method works, the prep you can do early, and what to change if the dish starts drifting.
Imagine the Northwest, where towering cedars meet the sea. This recipe captures that essence, infusing the salmon with a subtle smokiness that elevates the fish to new heights. The cedar plank acts as a diffuser, gently cooking the salmon while imparting its unique aroma. It's a dance between fire, wood, and fish, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
This isn't just grilling; it's an experience. The cedar's fragrance fills the air, mingling with the savory scent of the salmon. Each bite is a revelation, the moist, flaky fish enhanced by the woodsy notes. It's a dish that's both elegant and rustic, perfect for a summer barbecue or a special occasion. Embrace the simplicity, and let the ingredients speak for themselves. The cedar plank is the secret ingredient, transforming ordinary salmon into something extraordinary.
Cedar plank is catching fire.
The plank wasn't soaked long enough. Move the plank to a cooler part of the grill or spray it with water.
Salmon is drying out.
The grill is too hot. Reduce the heat or move the plank to a cooler part of the grill. You can also tent the salmon with foil.
Use this in Focus
Turn this nutrition profile into a week you can plan, shop, and actually cook.
Set up, cook, and remember what worked
The mise, the method, your notes, and the next recipes to master after this one lands.
The Setup
- Grill
- Cedar Plank
The Mise en Place
5 of 7Your prep station before cooking begins
The Protein (0/3)
The Pantry (0/2)
SOAK
Prep aheadSoak the cedar plank (1 whole) in water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Weigh it down to keep it submerged.
PREHEAT
Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
PREPARE
Remove the plank from the water and pat it dry. Brush one side with olive oil (¼ cups).
PLACE
Place the salmon fillet (1130 g) on the oiled side of the cedar plank (1 whole). Top with lemon (1 whole) slices and fresh dill (¼ cups).
Aromatic dill and lemon
SEASON
Season with salt (1 tsp) and pepper to taste.
GRILL
Place the cedar plank (1 whole) with the salmon on the preheated grill. Close the lid.
COOK
Grill for 25-30 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Salmon flakes easily • Smoky aroma
REMOVE
Carefully remove the cedar plank (1 whole) with the salmon from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Service Log
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Clean slate.
Log your variables after the first run.
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