Cedar Plank Salmon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Soak Planks
2 hrs
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
359 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cedar Plank Salmon
Description
The Cedar Plank Salmon recipe involves soaking cedar planks to soften them, then grilling salmon fillets on these planks over indirect heat. The mustard and brown sugar glaze balances tang and sweetness, complementing the natural richness of the fish. Cooking on the plank allows the salmon to absorb delicate smoky notes while preventing direct exposure to the flame, which preserves moisture and texture. The lemon slices add brightness and a subtle citrus aroma during cooking.
This dish works well as a flavorful main course and pairs with veggies or grains such as rice pilaf or green beans. The use of cedar planks provides a simple way to achieve wood-smoked character without specialized smokers or heavy equipment.
For convenience, you can prepare the salmon on cedar planks in a 375°F oven if grilling isn't available. The fish is done when reaching an internal temperature between 125°F to 145°F; remove it slightly before the target temperature and let it rest to finish cooking. Different cedar plank sizes accommodate various fillet quantities, and these planks are widely available in grocery stores or online.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 cedar planks
- 4 salmon about 4oz each, fillets
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 lemon , thinly sliced
Instructions
- Soak cedar planks in water for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, prior to grilling. Remove salmon from fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
- Make Glaze: Stir brown sugar and Dijon mustard together until smooth. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Prep Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, set the grill for indirect grilling (so the cedar planks don't catch fire). For a two-burner grill, turn one burner off and place cedar planks on the unlit side. For three or four burner grill, turn off the middle burner(s) and place cedar planks in the center.
- Add cedar planks: Place pre-soaked cedar planks on the hot grate, over indirect heat, and close the lid. Leave the plank until there is a smoky smell, about 4-5 minutes.
- Rotate planks and place salmon, skin side down, on top. Spread a spoonful of mustard mixture on top of each filet and add a thin slice of lemon, if desired. Close grill lid.
- Cook salmon on the cedar planks for about 15 to 25 minutes (depending on thickness), or until cooked through (125 degrees F to 140 degrees; medium rare/medium well). Remove and cover with foil about 5 degrees shy of desired temperature, as it will continue to a cook as it rests on the hot cedar plank. Be careful not to overcook it.
Notes
- Soak cedar planks in water for at least 2 hours before grilling to prevent burning and to release smoke aroma.
- You can cook the salmon on cedar planks in a 375°F oven for 15-25 minutes depending on thickness; check for an internal temperature between 125°F and 145°F.
- Place as many salmon fillets as fit comfortably on each cedar plank without overlap.
- Serve with side dishes like rice pilaf, mashed or twice-baked potatoes, wedge salad, roasted carrots, green beans, or artisan bread for a balanced meal.
- Cedar planks provide an approachable method for adding smoked flavor without special equipment; available in grocery grilling sections or online.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 359 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 359kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 311mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 901mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 83IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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