RP
RecipePoolDiscover your next favorite recipe
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About
Search
Browse
IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion

Main Navigation

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About

Browse Faster

IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion
Follow RecipePool on Pinterest
RecipePool

1,784+ tested recipes

Thoughtfully tested recipes, seasonal inspiration, and cooking guides to help you make something delicious every day.

Get weekly recipe inspiration

Explore

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Seasonal
  • Products
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • Ingredients

Browse By

  • Cuisine
  • Diet
  • Method
  • Occasion

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Policy
  • Recipe Testing
  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 RecipePool. All rights reserved.

HomeSearchCollectionsSaved
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cedar Plank Salmon
Grilled salmon fillet garnished with herbs and served with a side of steamed rice, perfect for a healthy meal.

Salmon infused with aromatic cedar smoke on the grill

Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon

33 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

18 min

Total Time

33 min

Servings

4

1 large fillet

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Premium

$$$

Be the first to rate this recipe
Share

Cedar Plank Salmon

Salmon infused with aromatic cedar smoke on the grill

Wild salmon grilled on a soaked cedar plank for delicate smoky flavor and impossibly moist flesh. An elegant yet effortless grilling technique.

15m

Prep Time

18m

Cook Time

33m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Premium $$$

Cost

American CuisineMain CourseGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 14, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

The cedar plank smolders gently on the grill, infusing the salmon with fragrant wood smoke while shielding it from direct heat. The result is silky, flaky fish with subtle woodsy notes.

Why This Recipe Works

The plank acts as a barrier between the fish and flames, preventing sticking and overcooking. As the wood smolders, it releases aromatic oils that perfume the salmon with warm, sweet smoke.

Ingredients

  • 1 large salmon fillet (2 lbs), skin on
  • 1 cedar grilling plank, soaked 1-2 hours
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh dill
PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

  • Makes doneness more repeatable
  • Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Mix Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and garlic. Spread evenly over the salmon.

  3. 3

    Place the soaked plank on the grill over medium heat until it begins to smoke, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Place salmon skin-side down on the plank, close the lid, and grill 15-18 minutes until salmon flakes at 145°F.

  5. 5

    Transfer the entire plank to a serving board, garnish with fresh dill, and serve directly from the plank.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side

  • Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges

Substitutions

Cedar plankAlder or maple plank

Different wood types impart different subtle flavors

Maple syrupHoney or brown sugar

Any sweetener balances the mustard nicely

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Keep a spray bottle of water nearby in case the plank catches fire around the edges.

  • Use the plank only once for grilling—after that, it makes great kindling.

Storage

Refrigerate leftover salmon for up to 2 days. Great cold in salads.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a 275°F oven for 10 minutes to avoid drying out.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (85mg) · 4 servings

Calories340
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein36g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat8g
Fiber380mg
Sugar0g
Sodium6g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I buy cedar planks?
Most grocery stores carry them near the grilling supplies, or buy in bulk online.
Can I reuse the plank?
No, the plank chars and loses its aromatic oils after one use.

Explore More

More American RecipesMore Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.

Related Recipes

Grilled shrimp skewers with lemon and herbs

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

21 min

Grilled lobster tails with herb butter on a plate

Grilled Lobster Tails

25 min

Grilled swordfish steak with lemon and capers

Grilled Swordfish Steaks

20 min

Colorful grilled vegetables on a serving platter

Grilled Vegetables Medley

27 min

Grilled peach halves topped with vanilla ice cream

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

13 min

Grilled pizza with charred crust and fresh toppings

Grilled Pizza

30 min

You Might Also Like

Grilled shrimp skewers with lemon and herbs
Gluten-FreeKeto
Easy

Mediterranean

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

21 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

21 min•Easy
Grilled lobster tails with herb butter on a plate
Gluten-FreeKeto
Medium

Grilled Lobster Tails

25 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Lobster Tails

25 min•Medium
Grilled swordfish steak with lemon and capers
Gluten-FreeKeto
Easy

Italian

Grilled Swordfish Steaks

20 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Swordfish Steaks

20 min•Easy
Colorful grilled vegetables on a serving platter
VegetarianVegan
Easy

Mediterranean

Grilled Vegetables Medley

27 min6 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Vegetables Medley

27 min•Easy
Grilled peach halves topped with vanilla ice cream
VegetarianGluten-Free
Easy

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

13 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

13 min•Easy
Grilled pizza with charred crust and fresh toppings
Vegetarian
Medium

Italian

Grilled Pizza

30 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Pizza

30 min•Medium
See more American recipes →