Using a cedar plank is the most foolproof (and delicious!) way to grill salmon. Serve it for dinner with veggie sides like Roasted Broccolini and Garlic Butter Potatoes, or use this technique to prep salmon for the week to use in a salad, like our BLT Salmon Salad, or in a grain bowl, like our Spicy Salmon Bowl.
Cedar planks specifically for grilling can be purchased easily online or at well-stocked grocery stores. The wood not only creates a barrier between the grill grates and the food, but imparts a very subtle wood flavor to the fish. To prevent burning, the planks need to be soaked for at least 2 hours in water.
While the planks soak, you’ll quick-cure the salmon with a mixture of brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. The rub both flavors the fish and also draws out some moisture from the flesh, resulting in a firmer texture. Of course, you can season the salmon with any kind of rub you like or skip the step entirely and season with salt and pepper right before cooking.
There’s no need to flip the salmon while grilling. The technique cooks the fish gently and evenly in about 20 minutes.
You can reuse the cedar planks after grilling, but they may have a slight flavor from the salmon. Wash gently with a mild soap.
Details
Print
Ingredients
2 cedar planks
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 (6-oz.) salmon fillets, skin removed, patted dry
Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions
- Place the cedar planks on a rimmed baking sheet, fill the baking sheet with water and let soak for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and ΒΌ teaspoon black pepper.
- Coat each fillet with the dry rub, and place on a small rimmed baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium high for 5 minutes. Place 2 salmon fillets on each cedar plank and place on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 16 to 20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with lime wedges, and serve right off the wood plank.
