Smoky Sweet Cedar Plank Salmon: The Ultimate Grilled Fish Recipe

Imagine perfectly tender, flaky salmon, imbued with a delicate smoky aroma from natural cedar wood, and topped with a glistening, caramelized crust that’s both savory and sweet. This isn’t just any salmon recipe; it’s the ultimate cedar plank salmon experience, transforming a simple meal into an extraordinary culinary delight. Our unique rub, a harmonious blend of brown sugar, golden honey, and aromatic smoked paprika, adheres beautifully to the fish, creating a sticky-sweet glaze that locks in moisture and amplifies flavor. Grilling directly on a cedar plank isn’t just a cooking method; it’s an ancient technique that imparts a subtle, earthy essence to the salmon, making every bite a celebration of fresh flavors and outdoor cooking.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice looking to impress, this cedar plank salmon recipe is surprisingly straightforward yet yields consistently spectacular results. The magic lies in the interaction between the hot grill, the fragrant cedar, and the rich, fatty salmon. As the wood slowly smolders, it releases its characteristic aroma, which is absorbed by the fish, complementing its natural richness without overpowering it. The sweet and savory rub then caramelizes under the heat, forming a mouthwatering exterior that gives way to a succulent, tender interior. Get ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game and discover why this method is beloved by chefs and home cooks alike for creating truly exceptional grilled fish.

Why This Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe is a Must-Try

---

Here at our kitchen, we have a profound appreciation for perfectly cooked salmon. We’ve explored various methods, from baked salmon in the oven to classic grilled salmon, and even convenient sheet pan salmon. However, there’s something truly special and uniquely captivating about preparing salmon on a cedar plank that sets this recipe apart. It’s not just another way to cook fish; it’s an elevated grilling experience that delivers unparalleled flavor and texture with surprising ease.

Unlocking Unique Flavors and Moistness with Cedar Planks

The primary reason this cedar plank salmon recipe shines is the incredible flavor infusion. As the cedar plank heats on the grill, it gently smolders, releasing its distinctive, aromatic smoke directly into the salmon. This natural process imparts a subtle, earthy, and sweet smokiness that complements the rich, buttery flavor of the salmon beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that other cooking methods simply can’t achieve. Beyond flavor, the plank acts as a barrier between the fish and the direct heat of the grill, preventing the delicate salmon from drying out. This results in an incredibly moist, tender, and flaky filet every single time, even for those who might be intimidated by grilling fish.

Effortless Preparation and Impressive Presentation

Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is remarkably simple to execute. The most crucial preliminary step is adequately soaking your cedar planks. This vital preparation ensures the wood will smolder and smoke, rather than igniting into flames, keeping your grilling experience safe and successful. Once the planks are ready, the rest is a breeze: a quick rub of our sweet and savory glaze over your salmon filets, and then they’re placed directly on the preheated grill. The planks do all the heavy lifting, acting as a natural cooking vessel that requires minimal fuss. The outcome is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect dish for entertaining guests or simply elevating a weeknight dinner. Serving the salmon directly on the charred plank adds a rustic, impressive touch that’s sure to garner compliments.

The Magic of the Sweet and Savory Rub

Our special rub is the other star of this dish, creating a delectable caramelized crust that perfectly balances the smoky notes from the cedar. The combination of brown sugar and honey provides that irresistible sticky sweetness, while the stone ground mustard adds a subtle tang and depth. A generous sprinkle of smoked paprika not only enhances the smoky profile but also contributes to the beautiful color of the crust. This savory-sweet blend melts and caramelizes as it cooks, adhering to the salmon to form a protective and flavorful layer. The contrast between this slightly crisp, flavorful exterior and the moist, tender interior is what makes this cedar plank salmon truly unforgettable and guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Looking for more grilling inspiration? Explore our Blackened Salmon recipe for another flavor-packed option!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cedar Plank Salmon

---

Crafting the perfect cedar plank salmon requires a few high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. While exact measurements and a detailed list can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, let’s dive into the key components and why they are essential for this delectable dish.

Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Advice

---

The Salmon

We recommend using a center-cut salmon filet for this recipe. Center-cut pieces tend to have a more uniform thickness, which ensures even cooking. Look for fresh, vibrant pink salmon with moist flesh. Atlantic, Sockeye, or King salmon are all excellent choices. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Patting the salmon thoroughly dry with paper towels before applying the rub is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelized crust.

The Cedar Planks

The star “ingredient” that makes this dish unique is the cedar grilling planks. These are specifically designed for culinary use and can be found in the grilling section of most grocery stores, specialty food shops, or online retailers. It’s absolutely vital to use only food-safe planks that are untreated with any chemicals. Never use lumber from a hardware store for cooking, as it contains harmful chemicals. Proper soaking is paramount: always follow the package instructions, as soak times can vary significantly from 15-20 minutes to a minimum of 2 hours. The goal is to saturate the wood to prevent it from catching fire and to ensure it smolders, releasing that signature smoky flavor. Once used, planks are generally not reusable and should be discarded. For an even more intensified smoky flavor, consider optionally charring your soaked planks on the grill for a few minutes before placing the salmon on them.

The Sweet & Smoky Rub

Our signature rub is a simple yet powerful combination that creates the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes:

• Stone Ground Mustard: This provides a wonderful tangy base with a slightly coarse texture. Stone ground mustard is typically milder and less pungent than Dijon, allowing other flavors to shine. If you can’t find it, Dijon mustard is an acceptable substitute, used in equal parts. However, be aware that Dijon will impart a sharper flavor.
• Honey: Essential for that gorgeous caramelization and sticky sweetness. Any good quality honey will work beautifully. It binds the rub ingredients together and helps form the crust.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes significantly to the caramelized exterior. Light or dark brown sugar will work; dark brown sugar will provide a slightly richer flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: This is a key ingredient for enhancing the smoky profile of the dish, complementing the cedar wood flavor. It also adds a beautiful reddish hue to the salmon. If you only have regular paprika, you can use it, but you’ll miss out on that extra layer of smokiness.
• Salt and Pepper: Standard seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and the rub. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best aroma.

Remember, the quantities provided in the recipe card are a guideline. Feel free to adjust the ratios of sweet to savory elements to suit your personal preference, though we highly recommend trying the original proportions first for the intended flavor balance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Cedar Plank Salmon

---

Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, smoky, and sweet cedar plank salmon. For a quick reference or to print the recipe, feel free to Jump to Recipe at any time, where you’ll find all measurements and instructions.

1. Prepare Your Grill and Planks: First, ensure your cedar planks have been soaked for the recommended duration (as per package instructions, typically 15 minutes to 2 hours). While the planks are soaking, preheat your grill to a consistent medium-high heat, aiming for approximately 400°F (200°C). A consistent temperature is key for even cooking and proper smoke infusion.
2. Prepare the Salmon Filets: Carefully cut your 1.5 pounds of center-cut salmon into four equally sized filets. This helps ensure uniform cooking. Using paper towels, thoroughly pat each salmon filet dry. This crucial step removes excess moisture, allowing the rub to adhere better and promoting a superior caramelized crust. Place the dried filets, skin-side down, directly onto the center of your pre-soaked cedar planks. Season the salmon generously with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
   

   

3. Whisk Together the Glaze: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons of stone ground mustard, 3 tablespoons of honey, and ½ tablespoon of the brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, sticky glaze.
   

   

4. Apply the Flavorful Rub: Using a spoon or a pastry brush, generously rub the mustard-honey mixture over the top and sides of each salmon filet. Ensure an even coating, as this glaze will caramelize and form a delicious crust during cooking.
   

   

5. Finish with Paprika and Brown Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika over the glazed salmon filets. Then, take the remaining ½ tablespoon of brown sugar and sprinkle it over the top as well. This final layer of brown sugar will contribute to an extra crispy, sweet crust.

   EXPERT TIP: If you notice a significant amount of the sauce mixture collecting on the cedar planks rather than staying on the salmon, gently lift it with a spoon and reapply it to the top of the filets to ensure maximum flavor adheres to the fish.

   

6. Grill to Perfection: Carefully transfer the cedar planks, with the salmon filets still on them, to your preheated grill. Close the grill lid to allow the cedar to smolder and infuse the salmon with its smoky essence. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon and your grill’s temperature, so using an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to check for doneness.

   EXPERT TIP: Salmon is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. To safely remove the hot planks from the grill, use a sturdy tool like a fish turner or a long spatula, transferring them to a large cutting board or heat-safe tray for serving.

   

Frequently Asked Questions & Pro Tips for Perfect Cedar Plank Salmon

---

Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions for Cedar Plank Salmon

---

Once your smoky, sweet cedar plank salmon is perfectly cooked, it’s time to assemble a meal that truly celebrates its flavors. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; it pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining.

Garnishes for a Finishing Touch

For a vibrant presentation and a burst of fresh flavor, consider these simple garnishes:

• Fresh Lemon Slices or Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the rich salmon and cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, adding a delightful zesty finish.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Dill: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a touch of color and a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the smoky salmon. Chives are also an excellent choice.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a subtle kick, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a welcome layer of heat.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Cedar Plank Salmon

The smoky-sweet profile of cedar plank salmon makes it incredibly adaptable to various side dishes:

• Leafy Green Salads: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon. Think mixed greens, arugula, or spinach.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, complementing the salmon’s glaze. Excellent choices include grilled asparagus, green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potatoes. Roasting carrots also works beautifully.
• Grilled Vegetables: Keep the grill theme going with other grilled sides! Try grilled corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Grains and Starches: Fluffy rice (white or brown), quinoa, or couscous make excellent foundations for the salmon, soaking up any delicious juices. Roasted or mashed potatoes are also classic, comforting options.
• Refreshing Sides: For a lighter meal, consider a fresh cucumber and dill salad or a quinoa salad with fresh vegetables.

Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine! A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied Pinot Noir, or even a dry rosé would beautifully complement the flavors of this cedar plank salmon.

Discover More Delicious Grill Recipes

---

If you’ve enjoyed the delightful experience of grilling our cedar plank salmon, you’re in for a treat! The world of grilling offers endless possibilities for delicious, smoky, and perfectly cooked meals. Expand your outdoor cooking repertoire with these other fantastic grill recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Grilled Asparagus: A simple, healthy, and flavorful side that cooks quickly on the grill.
• Smoked Ribeye Steak: Achieve steakhouse-quality results with a rich, smoky flavor.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and charred, a quintessential summer side dish.
• How to Make Pizza on the Grill: Surprisingly easy and incredibly delicious, with a perfect crispy crust.
• Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad: A fresh and vibrant salad showcasing summer’s best produce.
• Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Breasts: Juicy and flavorful chicken, perfect for a lighter meal.
• Lemon Salmon: Another delightful salmon recipe, focusing on bright citrus notes.

We’re passionate about cooking and sharing our best kitchen tips and recipes with you! To ensure you never miss out on our latest culinary creations and expert advice, we invite you to subscribe to our convenient newsletter. You’ll receive free daily recipes directly to your inbox. Simply subscribe here and embark on a journey of delicious discoveries!