Cedar Planked Salmon

4.9
(868)

This cedar plank salmon is a dish my brother prepared for me in Seattle. The salmon is moist, smoky, and by far the best I've ever eaten. I like to serve it with Asian-style rice and asparagus.

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Two salmon fillets on cedar planks, topped with sliced green onions and sliced lemon
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6

This cedar plank salmon recipe delivers wonderfully smoky flavor that your dinner guests won’t be able to resist. 

Why Grill Salmon on a Cedar Plank? 

Grilling on a cedar plank gives salmon a subtle smokiness that adds complexity and takes the flavor up a notch. Plus, grilling on a plank means you don’t have to worry about the salmon falling through the grill grates. 

How to Cook Cedar Planked Salmon

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Cedar Planked Salmon Marinade

The salmon marinade keeps the fish moist while adding tons savory flavor: 

  • Soy sauce
  • Vegetable oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Green onions
  • Fresh ginger
  • Minced garlic

How to Cook Salmon On a Cedar Plank

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make cedar plank salmon: 

  1. Soak the cedar planks. 
  2. Make the marinade. 
  3. Grill the planks until they start to smoke and crackle. 
  4. Place the salmon on the planks, close the grill, and grill until the salmon is flaky. 

How Long to Cook Salmon On a Cedar Plank

Salmon cooked on soaked cedar planks on a grill preheated to medium heat should flake perfectly with a fork after about 20 minutes. Don’t forget that the fish will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat. 

What to Serve With Cedar Planked Salmon

Explore our collection of Best Side Dishes for Salmon for delicious serving inspiration. Here are a few of the top-rated ideas you’ll find: 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This is the best salmon that I have ever eaten,” raves Christi. “It's my go-to recipe.”

“This turns out really tasty,” says Grumpy77. “I have made it several times on the Weber and the only change I’ve made is using low-sodium soy sauce as the cedar smoke gives it sort of a salty flavor on its own.”

“Absolutely delicious,” according to tpwales. “I love salmon and this is clearly one of the best salmon dishes I've ever eaten. Full of flavor and moist.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks

  • cup soy sauce

  • cup vegetable oil

  • 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 2 (2 pound) salmon fillets, skin removed

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make cedar planked salmon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Soak cedar planks for at least 1 hour in warm water. Soak longer if you have time.

    A small glass container filled with water and cedar planks

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Stir soy sauce, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, green onions, ginger, and garlic together in a shallow dish.

    A small bowl of soy marinade being whisked together

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Place salmon fillets in soy mixture and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour refrigerated.

    A large glass dish with two salmon fillets in soy marinade

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. Place planks on the grill grate. Heat planks until they start to smoke and crackle just a little.

    Soaked cedar planks on grill grates

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Remove salmon from marinade and place on planks; discard marinade.

    Two marinated salmon fillets on cedar planks on a grill

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Close grill cover. Grill salmon until it flakes easily with a fork, about 20 minutes; salmon will continue to cook after you remove it from the grill.

    Two salmon fillets on cedar planks, topped with sliced green onions and sliced lemon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of marinade ingredients. The actual amount of marinade consumed will vary.

1,217 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

678 Calories
46g Fat
2g Carbs
61g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 678
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 46g 59%
Saturated Fat 9g 43%
Cholesterol 179mg 60%
Sodium 981mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 61g 123%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 43mg 3%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 1144mg 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.