Grilling salmon on a soaked cedar plank gently steams the fish while infusing it with rich, smoky flavor. Cedar plank salmon calls for just 4 basic ingredients, but the cooking method makes it taste like something from a fancy seafood restaurant.
World, Meet My Latest Grilling Obsession
Pssst … this is my new favorite way to grill salmon! 🤫
I have to whisper-shout so my beloved grilled salmon recipe doesn’t hear me. It’s been my go-to method for grilling salmon for years, and the 300+ of you who’ve left glowing reviews have agreed that that’s a darn good recipe.
But after much experimentation, this grilled cedar plank version has been #1 in our hearts (and stomachs) this summer. The soaked cedar plank gently steams the salmon while giving it a richer, smokier flavor. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled with flaky bits of salmon falling through your grill grates, the cedar plank prevents that from happening.
It’s a ridiculously easy 4-ingredient recipe (minus the salt and pepper) that cooks in just 10 minutes, and the leftovers can be added to wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Grilling doesn’t get better than this!
Enjoy!
Heidi’s Tips for Grilling Success
Pre-cut your salmon into single-serving pieces minus the skin. I like to separate the servings on the plank slightly; this creates a crispy edge on all four sides for everyone!
Pre-heat the pre-soaked cedar plank. Because the salmon cooks quickly, the smoked plank needs a little more time to ‘get going’ to add a perfectly rich layer of smoke. Developing the plank this way, then dropping on your pre-seasoned and pre-portioned salmon, is next level kind of deliciousness!
Choose your favorite barbecue sauce flavor. I have been loving this savory-sweet Japanese barbecue sauce on so many things, but feel free to use whatever’s your favorite.
Grab These 4 Simple Ingredients
The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.
- Salmon filets — No skin means more infused smokey flavor that seeps from the board as the fish cooks. You can easily remove the skin yourself, or you can ask to have it done for you at the seafood counter of your local grocery store.
- BBQ sauce — I use this Japanese BBQ sauce but also like my homemade version. Use whatever flavor is your favorite.
- Brown sugar — A light sprinkling amps up the smoky-sweet flavor of the cedar planked salmon.
- Mayonnaise — Really locks in moisture and makes for a richer tasting salmon.
How to Grill Salmon on a Cedar Plank
- Soak the cedar planks then grill them. I soak mine in plain ol’ tap water and weigh them down with soup cans so they’re fully submerged. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes before firing up the grill. Then, place them on the hot grill grates to infuse the planks and grilling interior with that signature smoky flavor. You’ll know the cedar planks are ready when they start smoking slightly.
- Season the salmon. A generous sprinkling of salt and pepper followed by a slather of bbq-spiked mayo is all you need to season the fish.
- Add a sprinkling of sugar to add sweetness and color. I like to top the salmon with a little brown sugar before grilling on the cedar plank for flavor and caramelization purposes.
- Grill your salmon. Once on the hot cedar planks, the salmon needs to grill for just 5 minutes with the lid closed.
- Make the plank transfer easy on a large baking sheet. If you want to present the fish on the planks for serving, use a baking sheet to move them so the charcoaled bottoms don’t dirty your countertop.
Not Sure Where to Buy the Cedar Planks?
You can buy cedar planks online here. Or, you should be able to find them in the grilling section at your local grocery store or hardware store. Kitchen supply stores usually have them in the summer months, too.
Make sure you’re buying untreated cedar grilling planks, and note that they can’t be reused after you make this recipe. And never use cedar fencing for this recipe method.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below, leave a comment to tell us what you think, and tag me on Instagram @foodiecrush.
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- 2 untreated cedar grilling planks
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce salmon filets, skin removed if preferred
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Japanese barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
Instructions
- Soak the cedar planks. Soak the cedar planks in warm water, weighting with something heavy, like a soup can, so it stays submerged for 30 minutes up to 3 hours before grilling.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush the grill grates of any loose bits to avoid flare-ups.
- Prep the salmon. Season the salmon with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (both sides if using skinned salmon).
- Make the barbecue glaze. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons Japanese barbecue sauce with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise until smooth. Brush each of the salmon filets with the barbecue mixture, evenly coating the tops and sides of the fish. Sprinkle the fish with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, dividing it equally among the filets.
- Grill the salmon. Place the soaked cedar planks directly on the hot grill grates, close the lid, and watch until wood begins to smoke, about 5 minutes. Transfer the salmon to the hot planks, cover with the lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Serve hot or at room temperature. Salmon can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Notes
What to Serve With Cedar Plank Salmon
- Grilled Asparagus, Eggplant, or Corn
- Classic Potato Salad
- Tortellini Pasta Salad
- No-Mayo Coleslaw
- BLT Salad with Peaches
More Easy Salmon Recipes
- Chili Crisp Salmon
- Mediterranean Salmon Bowls
- Baked Maple Salmon
- Skillet Salmon Piccata
- Blackened Salmon
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Amy
I’ve made cedar planked salmon dozens of times before (not this recipe, which sounds great), but never thought to put the soaked planks on the grill before adding the salmon. Will have to try that next time!
Hey Amy! Putting the planks on the grill first creates a little oven of smoky deliciousness that infuses even more flavor. I hope you enjoy it!
Craig
Amazing! Cedar planked salmon really is the best way to cook and eat salmon. This was delicious.
My husband agrees Craig! He said this might be his favorite salmon recipe, even more than regular grilled salmon with his fave cucumber dill sauce. Thank you!