Cedar Planked Salmon

This Cedar Plank Salmon recipe is one of the EASIEST ways to prepare fish and SO moist and tender with a Dijon maple wet rub and slightly smoky undertones.

Cedar Plank Salmon is the secret to the smoky, tender, grilled fish of your dreams.  Best of all, it may sound, look and taste exquisite, but it is ridiculously easy to make!  The salmon is smothered in a quick, tangy, herbaceous Dijon maple wet rub punctuated by smoked paprika, garlic, rosemary, and chipotle.  Now, just pop the salmon on the cedar planks and grill to smoky, moist cedar planked salmon perfection โ€“ without worrying about the fish sticking or falling apart.  Serve your salmon with grilled zucchini and strawberry spinach salad, and everyone will be swooning over the perfect meal.  Read on for tips, tricks, How to Make Video and how to make cedar plank salmon in the oven as well!

Buttery tender salmon is always a quick and easy winning dinner โ€“ head here to see all my salmon recipes and don’t miss: honey garlic salmon, Tuscan salmon, sheet pan garlic butter salmonsalmon pasta, teriyaki salmon, blackened salmon in creamy Cajun sauce, baked Greek salmon with dill sauce, Asian BBQ salmon and sheet pan fajita salmon

Watch: How to cook Cedar Plank Salmon

showing how to serve cedar planked salmon by garnishing with fresh parsley and rosemary on the cedar plank


 
top view showing how to make cedar planked salmon by garnishing salmon with parsley
side view of salmon on cedar planks showing how moist it is
top view of how to serve cedar planked salmon recipe with rice, asparagus and tomatoes in a bowl
side view showing how to serve cedar planked salmon in a bowl with rice and vegetables garnished with parsley

Ingredients for Cedar Plank Salmon 

This cedar planked salmon is bursting with bold, exciting flavors underscored by the smoky, woodsy cedar planks.  Gather the following ingredients to make the easy wet rub (the full ingredients list and measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post): 

  • Mustard: stone ground Dijon mustard boasts complex, tangy depth and is thicker than normal Dijon so it’s the ideal consistency for the wet rub.
  • Maple syrup: a little sweetness to offset the tangy mustard and acidic balsamic.ย  Please use pure maple syrup and not the imitation breakfast kind.
  • Balsamic vinegar: imbues the salmon with subtle, complex fruity tanginess. Use balsamic vinegar of Modena for the best flavor.
  • Lemon zest: wash the lemon before grating the zest. Grate just until you reach the pith (the white part) and no further; the pith is bitter and you donโ€™t want it in your marinade.ย 
  • Fresh rosemary: the combination of fresh herbs and dried spices creates layers of flavor โ€” no boring salmon here!ย 
  • Spices: smoked paprika complements the flavor from the cedar plank, while garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, oregano, thyme salt, and pepper round out the marinade.ย 

Ingredient Substitutions 

  • Salmon: use either four 6-oz. filets or one large salmon filet.ย 
  • Cedar planks: these pair best with salmon, in my opinion, but you can use another type of wood if desired.ย 
  • Maple syrup: can be swapped with honey.ย 
  • Fresh herbs: substitute dried herbs, noting that youโ€™ll need roughly one-third amount if using dried.ย 
  • Mustard: regular Dijon will work if you donโ€™t have stone ground.ย 

How to prepare a cedar plank for grilling:

Cedar Plank Salmon is incredibly easy to make, but you need to plan ahead.ย  The planks need to be soaked for at least 2 hours prior to using, otherwise, they can catch fire. Let’s talk about how to prepare our planks:

  • Rinse the planks:ย  Donโ€™t skip rinsing the planks with plain water (no soap) before using to remove any dust.ย  You donโ€™t want to use soap because it can unpleasantly flavor your planks and your food.ย 
  • Choose the best container: ย Choose a container that is non-reactive, so it won’t leach chemicals into your food,ย is large enough to fit the planks and deep enough so they can be completely submerged in water.ย  A ceramic 9×13 baking dish or stainless-steel baking sheet are good options, or you can even use your sink if your planks are extra-large.ย 
  • Choose your liquid:ย  The planks can be soaked in just water or salted water, but even better, combine the water with another flavorful liquid. You can also use another liquid entirely to infuse the salmon with yet another dimension of flavor.ย  Possible soaking liquids include: apple juice, citrus juices, berry juices, apple cider vinegar + water, or different flavors of wine.ย  Experiment with different liquids to compliment the salmon recipe you are grilling.
  • Use warm liquid and salt:ย  Soaking the planks in warm water or warm juice will help the pores of the wood open up, so it really becomes saturated and much less likely to burn.ย  It also increases the moistness of the salmon by releasing more steam directly into the fish. ย Dissolving a tablespoon of salt into the warm liquid is also a great way to enhance the cedar flavor.ย 
  • Submerge the planks: ย Add the planks to your chosen container and cover with your liquid of choice.ย  You will notice that the planks will float.ย  Weigh them down with something clean, neutral and non-reactive so the flavor doesnโ€™t leach into the wood.ย  I used a heavy glass jar of marinara and it was perfect.ย  ย 
  • How long to soak the planks:ย  This can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the planks, but a good rule of thumb is to soak the planks for 2 hours.ย  This is what I do and have never had a problem with flare ups or the edges of the planks catching fire.
  • Dry the planks:ย  When ready to use, remove the planks form the liquid and wrap them in a towel to dry off.ย  Do not rub the planks with oil because this can promote burning and flare ups.

How to Make Salmon on Cedar Plank

Cedar planked grilled salmon is an easy, straightforward cooking method that anyone can master!  Hereโ€™s how to make this recipe (recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Soak the cedar planks

  • Soak the planks in warmed salted water or liquid of choice for at least 2 hours. This ensures they donโ€™t catch on fire while youโ€™re grilling the salmon.ย 
showing how to make cedar plank salmon recipe by soaking cedar planks in water

Step 2: Marinate the salmon

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the Wet Rub Marinade Ingredients.ย 
  • Place the salmon on a cutting board or baking sheet and brush the top and sides with the Wet Rub.ย 
  • Let the salmon rest for at least 15 minutes before grilling, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.ย ย 
a collage showing how to make cedar plank salmon recipe by whisking the salmon marinade ingredients together
showing how to make cedar plank salmon recipe by adding marinade to salmon

Step 3: Preheat the grill

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400ยฐF to 450ยฐF with the lid closed).ย ย 
  • Set the salmon on your counter about 15 minutes before you plan on grilling. You want the salmon to be nearly room temperature before cooking.ย 
  • Get a water bottle ready to spritz any flare ups (I havenโ€™t had to do this, but youโ€™ll want it just in case).ย 
  • Pat the cedar planks dry.
top view of salmon on cedar planks ready grill

Step 4: Grill the salmon on cedar planks

  • Transfer the salmon to the soaked and dried planks.
  • Place the planks on the grill grates; grill, covered with the lid, until the internal temperature reaches 130-135 degrees F (or is done to your liking), about 12-15 minutes.ย 
showing how to make cedar plank salmon recipe by grilling salmon on cedar planks

Step 5: Let the salmon rest

  • Using tongs or a metal spatula carefully transfer the cedar planks to a baking sheet and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
up close of salmon on cedar planks showing how juicy the salmon is

How to tell if salmon is cooked:

  • Temperature. The most accurate way to see if your salmon is done is with an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon. As previously discussed, the FDA states salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but I like mine at 130 degrees F.
  • Appearance. As salmon cooks, it changes from bright pink (raw) to opaque pink. The outside of the salmon should be completely opaque but the center should still be a bit translucent, a moist coral color, but not raw. If the salmon is completely opaque all the way through, it wonโ€™t be as juicy and tender.
  • Texture. Cooked salmon will easily flake with a fork along the muscle fibers. Take care not to overcook your salmon because it will only remain buttery, juicy and tender as long as it isnโ€™t overcooked. It is better for salmon to be under-cooked than overcooked in my opinion.ย 
top view of salmon on cedar planks grilled until moist and golden

Tips for the best Cedar Plank salmon recipeย 

  • Soak the planks in water. If you donโ€™t do this, the cedar planks will catch on fire on the grill. They need to be submerged in water for about 2 hours before grilling.ย  If you are worried about timing or forgetting to soak them, place the cedar planks in water to soak the night before.
  • Use more planks as needed. ย The number of planks will vary depending on their size and the size of your salmon, so make sure you know what youโ€™re cooking before soaking your planks!ย 
  • Have a spray bottle handy. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it near the grill, just in case the edges of the planks start to burn. A few spritzes of water usually dampens the edges enough to prevent them from catching on fire again.ย  Note, as you can see from the pics and video, my planks have never caught fire from soaking warmed water for 2 hours.
  • Check for flare ups quickly. Every time you open the grill, steam will be released. So, limit checking on your salmon, and re-cover quickly.
  • Purchase quality salmon. Refer to the section on how to purchase salmon above. Cooking Light also has a great article on how to pick the best salmon at the grocery store.
  • Use salmon right away. If youโ€™re using fresh salmon, make sure to use it within one day otherwise it can go bad very quickly.
  • Do NOT rinse salmon before grilling. The USDA cautions: โ€œDo not rinse raw fish, seafood, meat, and poultry. Bacteria in these raw juices can splash and spread to other foods and surfaces. Cooking foods thoroughly will kill harmful bacteria.โ€
  • Let salmon come to room temperature. Salmon should never be grilled cold straight from the refrigerator otherwise it will cook unevenly.ย  Place the salmon on the counter 30 minutes before youโ€™re ready to grill it.ย ย 
  • Donโ€™t over-cook the salmon. Take care not to overcook the salmon because it will only remain buttery, juicy and tender as long as it isnโ€™t overcooked. Aim for 130 degrees F and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you have different size salmon filets, you may need to remove one filet from the oven before the rest are done.ย 
  • Use a meat thermometer. Overcooked salmon is dry salmon. The only way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is to use a meat thermometer. ย  You can pick up an inexpensive instant read thermometer at the grocery store or Amazon, or I am obsessed with this digital probe thermometer โ€“ you will never overcook any protein again!ย  Instant read thermometers can be temperamental, but this digital probe thermometer retrieves temperature precisely to within ยฑ1.8ยฐf (ยฑ1ยฐc) and allows you to insert a probe into two pieces of fish/protein at a time (I suggest the thinnest and thickest).
  • Let the salmon rest. After your cedar planked salmon is finished cooking, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. While the salmon cooks, the juices are forced away from the heat to the middle of the fish. The resting time allows for the redistribution and reabsorption of the juices throughout the whole filet for optimal flavor and juiciness. If you donโ€™t allow for this calming period, valuable moisture-giving juices will seep out and be lost when you slice into the salmon, resulting in less juicy fish.

possible recipe variations

  • Play with the seasoning: Mix up the herbs or the spice ratios to change the flavor profile or use a different marinade, wet rub, or spice rub entirely. ย My lemon pepper salmon recipe would be exquisite.
  • Make it spicy: Add additional chipotle chili powder.ย 
  • Make it sweeter: Add extra maple syrup to the marinade.
  • Use another type of fish: I imagine this marinade would pair well with many types of seafood!ย 
  • Use another type of wood: Cedar is the most popular choice for salmon but you can experiment with different types.ย  Maple will impart a rich and nutty flavor, alder is gentle and mild, cherry is mildly sweet and fruity.ย 
  • Other foods to grill:ย Donโ€™t stop at salmon!ย  Cedar plank grilling is a superb way to cook chicken, pork and vegetables.
side view showing how to serve cedar planked salmon in a bowl with rice and vegetables garnished with parsley

What to Serve with Cedar Planked Grilled Salmon

This cedar plank salmon is delicious with simple sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, salad, and watermelon. Still, if you want to get a little fancier:

Fun Ways to Serve CEdar Plank Salmon 

You can enjoy the cedar planked salmon with any of the aforementioned sides OR you can repurpose the salmon to use in tacos, grain bowls, wraps, and more! Here are some truly delicious ways to eat cedar plank salmon: 

  • Cedar plank salmon salad: I LOVE adding salmon leftovers to salads. Add salmon to a bed of baby arugula, spring mix or spinach along with cucumbers, dried cranberries, feta, sliced almonds and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or I love mine with peach vinegar (you donโ€™t even need to add oil!).
  • Cedar plank salmon grain bowls: add your favorite grains to a bowl and pile with salmon and your favorite veggies. The veggies can be roasted/cooked like roasted tomatoes, roasted asparagus, roasted broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, or raw such as fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, sprouts etc. or pickled like pickled red onions, carrots, etc. or a combo of all three! You can also top with a fried or soft-boiled egg.
  • Cedar plank salmon tacos: top tortillas with black beans, salmon and desired toppings. Pick from avocado corn salsa, corn salsa, avocado crema or guacamole, cotija cheese, pickled red onions and/or hot sauce.
  • Cedar plank salmon burritos: layer a burrito size tortilla with plain rice, cilantro lime rice or Mexican Rice, black or pinto beans, salmon, avocado corn salsa and sour cream.
  • Cedar plank salmon burrito bowls: layer cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice with cheese, black beans, salmon, chopped lettuce, and your favorite toppings including tomatoes, corn, crushed tortilla chips and either sour cream/Greek yogurt or I highly recommend either Avocado Crema, Tomatillo Avocado Ranch or Cilantro Lime Dressing.
side view showing how to serve cedar planked salmon in a bowl with rice and vegetables garnished with parsley

Cedar Plank Salmon FAQS

Do I need to soak a cedar plank for salmon?

Yes, you MUST soak the cedar plank in water for at least 2 hours prior to cooking or it is like setting a match to wood and it will catch fire!ย  It is best to use warm salted water for the pores of the wood to really open up and become saturated or try soaking in a combination of warmed water and a little juice, vinegar, or wine to add a depth of flavor.

How long does it take to grill salmon on a cedar plank?

The grilling time will depend on the size and thickness of your salmon, but most salmon fillets will cook to an internal temperature of 130 degrees F in 12 -16 minutes. ย Always use an internal thermometer to know exactly when the salmon is done.ย  Transfer the cedar planked grilled salmon to a baking sheet off heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving to continue to rise in temperature and reabsorb the juices to create juicier salmon.

Do you flip salmon when grilling on cedar plank?

No, there’s no need to flip the salmon while grilling because the salmon is being cooked over indirect heat in a hot, steamy environment. ย ย ย 

Can you soak cedar planks too long?

Cedar planks should be soaked for 2 hours up to overnight.ย  After that, there is no increase in flavor infusion or moisture.ย  If you have soaked the planks but are not ready to use them, transfer to a sealable bag (a slow cooker liner or oven roasting bag works well) and freeze the salmon planks until ready to use.

What temperature do you grill salmon on a cedar plank?

Cook cedar plank salmon at 400ยฐF to 450ยฐF with the lid closed for 12-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees F.

How do you keep salmon from sticking to cedar planks?

Soaking the salmon for at least 2 hours should prevent it from sticking to the plank.ย  If you are still worried, you can lightly oil the bottom of the salmon, but donโ€™t oil the entire surface of the plank.ย  Doing so can create flare ups and excess heat,

Is cedar plank grilling healthy?

Yes, cedar planked salmon is safe and healthy but be sure to use the right kind of wood. Western Red Cedar the safest and most recommended for cedar plank cooking.

What Can you Cook on a Cedar plank?

While salmon is the most popular choice, donโ€™t let that stop you from experimenting with other foods!ย  Here are a few to try:
Halibut
Cod
Steelhead Trout
Jumbo scallops
Jumbo shrimp
Lobster
Chicken
Pork
Tofu
Vegetables such as zucchini slices, cauliflower slices or halved tomatoes
Sliced pineapple

Where to buy cedar planks

Cedar planks are the ideal wood for grilling salmon because they arenโ€™t too strong and infuse the salmon with gently, smoky flavor.ย You can usually find them at your local grocery store, Lowes, Home Depot, some Super Walmartโ€™s and of course on Amazon.ย  I usually opt for Amazon (like what you see here), because the boards tend to be thicker.ย  ย ย 
Try and purchase cedar planks that are on the thicker side (at least 1/4-inch) so they donโ€™t easily catch fire.ย  As far as the overall dimensions, you can use any size and adjust the number of fillets that fit on each plank; use longer planks for large fillets or shorter ones for one to two smaller portions (as seen in this recipe).ย  My cedar planks from Amazon were 5×11″ and each fit 2 salmon fillets.ย ย 

Can you Reuse cedar planks?

Yes, you can reuse cedar planks, but it doesnโ€™t mean you should.ย  The first use will be the most intensely flavorful as the natural oils are released into the food.ย  The flavor output will exponentially diminish from here.ย  Also, keep in mind that the cedar plank will soak up some of the flavors of whatever was cooked on it previously, which will be released back into your food.
To reuse: The bottom of the board will likely be quite charred, so make sure you scrape off any leftover food, clean it with hot water (no soap) and soak very well before re-using.ย ย 

What temperature should salmon be cooked to?

Americaโ€™s Test kitchen suggests baking your salmon until it reaches 125-130 degrees F (52 degrees C) to avoid overcooked salmon.ย 125-140 degrees will be medium to medium-well. I like to cook mine to 130 degrees F and the results are always perfect after a 5-minute rest. During the 5-minute rest, the salmon will continue to cook (carryover) and rise about 5 degrees. Always take this carry over into consideration when taking the temperature of your salmon or any protein.ย 
Note:ย  The FDA advises salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, HOWEVER, if you cook your salmon to this temperature, it will be dry, chalky and overdone.

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side view of salmon on cedar planks showing how moist it is

Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon is the secret to the smoky, tender, grilled fish of your dreams.ย  Best of all, it may sound, look and taste exquisite, but it is ridiculously easy to make!ย  The salmon is smothered in a quick, tangy, herbaceous Dijon maple wet rub punctuated by smoked paprika, garlic, rosemary, and chipotle. ย Next, just pop the salmon on the cedar planks and grill to smoky, moist cedar planked salmon perfection โ€“ without worrying about the fish sticking or falling apart. ย Serve your salmon with grilled zucchini and strawberry spinach salad, and everyone will be swooning over the perfect meal.ย  Read on for tips, tricks, How to Make Video and how to make cedar plank salmon in the oven as well!
Servings: 4 servings
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Soaking 2 hours

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Ingredients

Salmon and Planks

Wet Rub Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons stone ground Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary (or heaping ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper
  • ¼ tsp EACH onion powder, dried thyme, chipotle chili powder

Instructions

  • Soak planks: Combine the water and salt in a 9×13 non reactive dish (or whatever size comfortably fits your planks). Add the cedar planks and weigh down with a clean, nonreactive weight (I used a glass jar of sauce) so they are completely submerged. Soak cedar planks for at least 2 hours; drain and dry right before using.
  • Marinate salmon 15 minutes to 4 hours ahead of time: In a small bowl, whisk together the Wet Rub Marinade Ingredients. Place the salmon (on what was skin-side down) on top of a baking sheet or cutting board; brush the top and sides with the Wet Rub. Let the salmon rest for 15 minutes before grilling, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before grilling.
  • Preheat grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400ยฐF to 450ยฐF with the lid closed). Get a water bottle ready to spritz any flare ups.
  • Grill salmon: Transfer the salmon to the soaked and dried planks. Place the plank(s) on the grill grates, and grill, covered with the lid, until the internal temperature reaches 130-135 degrees F (or is done to your liking) on an instant read thermometer, about 12-15 minutes. Spritz the plank(s) with some water if the edges start to catch fire.
  • Let rest: Using a large metal spatula or tongs, carefully transfer the cedar planks to a baking sheet. Let the salmon rest on the planks for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Cedar planks

You can usually find cedar planks at the grocery store, Lowes, Home Depot, some Super Walmartโ€™s and, of course, on Amazon.ย  I usually opt for Amazon (this is what I use), because the boards tend to be thicker.ย  ย Try and purchase cedar planks that are on the thicker side (at least 1/4-inch) so they donโ€™t easily catch fire.ย  As far as the overall dimensions, you can use any size and adjust the number of fillets that fit on each plank; use longer planks for large fillets or shorter ones for one to two smaller portions (as seen in this recipe).ย  My cedar planks from Amazon are 5×11″ and each fit 2 salmon fillets.ย ย 

Oven Cedar Plank Salmon

Soak the planks and marinate the salmon fillets as instructed. When youโ€™re ready to cook the salmon, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the soaked and dried cedar planks on a rimmed baking sheet and transfer the salmon on top. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 130-135 degrees F.

Prep Ahead

  • Cedar planks: You can soak the cedar planks overnight until ready to use or freeze the soaked planks for later. ย To freeze:ย  After soaking, transfer the planks to a sealed plastic bag. You may need to use an oven roasting bag or slow cooker liner depending on their size, squeeze out excess air and knot closed, then pop in the freezer.ย  When youโ€™re ready to grill, thaw the plank(s) by placing them in hot water for 10 minutes or so.
  • Marinade: Make the marinade ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.ย 
  • Marinate salmon: Store the marinating salmon up to 4 hours ahead of time in the refrigerator.ย  Donโ€™t leave the salmon in the marinade for more than 4 hours otherwise the acidic marinade will break down the muscle fibers.

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4 Comments

  1. Paddy says

    Oh My GOSH!!!
    As usualโ€ฆ.. OUTSTANDING!!!! This was unbelievable and really easy , I made asparagus with your blender holindaise and a sweet potato with cinnamon for sides and this was outstanding!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME JEN!!!! thank you for always makein me a hero to my family in the kitchen!!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for being the first to review this recipe Paddy, that is awesome you made it already! I am thrilled you loved it so much, and your entire meal sounds like perfection!

  2. Ron says

    I liked this recipe and it worked out great. I added lime rind and juice instead of lemon and it worked out nicely.

    Teamed the salmon with an eggplant, tomato, and chickpea recipe (Moroccan recipe recipe) with rice and we ate like kings.

    Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    • Jen says

      What a delicious meal Ron! And the lime swap sounds perfect!