Buttery tender salmon is always a quick and easy winning dinner – head here to see all my salmon recipes and don’t miss: honey garlic salmon, Tuscan salmon, sheet pan garlic butter salmon, salmon pasta, teriyaki salmon, blackened salmon in creamy Cajun sauce, baked Greek salmon with dill sauce, Asian BBQ salmon and sheet pan fajita salmon
HOW TO MAKE cedar plank salmon VIDEo
Rinse the planks: Don’t skip rinsing the planks with plain water (no soap) before using to remove any dust. You don’t want to use soap because it can unpleasantly flavor your planks and your food. Choose the best container: Choose a container that is non-reactive, so it won’t leach chemicals into your food, is large enough to fit the planks and deep enough so they can be completely submerged in water. A ceramic 9×13 baking dish or stainless-steel baking sheet are good options, or you can even use your sink if your planks are extra-large. Choose your liquid: The planks can be soaked in just water or salted water, but even better, combine the water with another flavorful liquid. You can also use another liquid entirely to infuse the salmon with yet another dimension of flavor. Possible soaking liquids include: apple juice, citrus juices, berry juices, apple cider vinegar + water, or different flavors of wine. Experiment with different liquids to compliment the salmon recipe you are grilling.Use warm liquid and salt: Soaking the planks in warm water or warm juice will help the pores of the wood open up, so it really becomes saturated and much less likely to burn. It also increases the moistness of the salmon by releasing more steam directly into the fish. Dissolving a tablespoon of salt into the warm liquid is also a great way to enhance the cedar flavor. Submerge the planks: Add the planks to your chosen container and cover with your liquid of choice. You will notice that the planks will float. Weigh them down with something clean, neutral and non-reactive so the flavor doesn’t leach into the wood. I used a heavy glass jar of marinara and it was perfect. How long to soak the planks: This can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the planks, but a good rule of thumb is to soak the planks for 2 hours. This is what I do and have never had a problem with flare ups or the edges of the planks catching fire.Dry the planks: When ready to use, remove the planks form the liquid and wrap them in a towel to dry off. Do not rub the planks with oil because this can promote burning and flare ups.
Ingredients for Cedar Plank Salmon
This cedar planked salmon is bursting with bold, exciting flavors underscored by the smoky, woodsy cedar planks. Gather the following ingredients to make the easy wet rub (the full ingredients list and measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post):
Ingredient Substitutions
How to Make Salmon on a Cedar Plank
Cedar planked grilled salmon is an easy, straightforward cooking method that anyone can master! Here’s how to make this recipe (recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Step 1: Soak the cedar planks
Soak the planks in warmed salted water or liquid of choice for at least 2 hours. This ensures they don’t catch on fire while you’re grilling the salmon.
Step 2: Marinate the salmon
In a small bowl, whisk together the Wet Rub Marinade Ingredients. Place the salmon on a cutting board or baking sheet and brush the top and sides with the Wet Rub. Let the salmon rest for at least 15 minutes before grilling, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Step 3: Preheat the grill
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F with the lid closed). Set the salmon on your counter about 15 minutes before you plan on grilling. You want the salmon to be nearly room temperature before cooking. Get a water bottle ready to spritz any flare ups (I haven’t had to do this, but you’ll want it just in case). Pat the cedar planks dry.
Step 4: Grill the salmon on cedar planks
Transfer the salmon to the soaked and dried planks. Place the planks on the grill grates; grill, covered with the lid, until the internal temperature reaches 130-135 degrees F (or is done to your liking), about 12-15 minutes.
Step 5: Let the salmon rest
Using tongs or a metal spatula carefully transfer the cedar planks to a baking sheet and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to tell if salmon is cooked:
Temperature. The most accurate way to see if your salmon is done is with an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon. As previously discussed, the FDA states salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but I like mine at 130 degrees F.Appearance. As salmon cooks, it changes from bright pink (raw) to opaque pink. The outside of the salmon should be completely opaque but the center should still be a bit translucent, a moist coral color, but not raw. If the salmon is completely opaque all the way through, it won’t be as juicy and tender.Texture. Cooked salmon will easily flake with a fork along the muscle fibers. Take care not to overcook your salmon because it will only remain buttery, juicy and tender as long as it isn’t overcooked. It is better for salmon to be under-cooked than overcooked in my opinion.
What to Serve with Cedar Planked Grilled Salmon
This cedar plank salmon is delicious with simple sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, salad, and watermelon. Still, if you want to get a little fancier:
Grains: Coconut rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Rice Pilaf, Parmesan Risotto. You can also serve it with wild rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes, Pesto Mashed Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, or Mashed Sweet Potatoes.Salad: Wedge Salad, Strawberry Avocado Broccoli Salad, Spinach Berry Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Potato salad, or Mexican Street Corn Salad. Pasta Salad: Italian Tortellini Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, Cowboy Pasta Salad, Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad and Greek Orzo Pasta Salad just to name a few. Fruit: watermelon, cantaloupe, pina colada fruit salad, fruit salad with honey lime vinaigrette, grape salad, summer fruit salad or caramelized grilled pineapple.Potluck Favorites: baked mac and cheese, sweet cornbread, loaded potato salad, potato salad, baked beans, corn casserole, elote (Mexican Street Corn)and grilled corn on the cob. Dessert: top off the feast with Peach cobbler, Tres Leches Cake, Lemon Pound Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, Lemon Cheesecake Bars.
Fun Ways to Serve CEdar Plank Salmon
You can enjoy the cedar planked salmon with any of the aforementioned sides OR you can repurpose the salmon to use in tacos, grain bowls, wraps, and more! Here are some truly delicious ways to eat cedar plank salmon:
Cedar plank salmon salad: I LOVE adding salmon leftovers to salads. Add salmon to a bed of baby arugula, spring mix or spinach along with cucumbers, dried cranberries, feta, sliced almonds and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or I love mine with peach vinegar (you don’t even need to add oil!).Cedar plank salmon grain bowls: add your favorite grains to a bowl and pile with salmon and your favorite veggies. The veggies can be roasted/cooked like roasted tomatoes, roasted asparagus, roasted broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, or raw such as fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, sprouts etc. or pickled like pickled red onions, carrots, etc. or a combo of all three! You can also top with a fried or soft-boiled egg.Cedar plank salmon tacos: top tortillas with black beans, salmon and desired toppings. Pick from avocado corn salsa, corn salsa, avocado crema or guacamole, cotija cheese, pickled red onions and/or hot sauce.Cedar plank salmon burritos: layer a burrito size tortilla with plain rice, cilantro lime rice or Mexican Rice, black or pinto beans, salmon, avocado corn salsa and sour cream.Cedar plank salmon burrito bowls: layer cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice with cheese, black beans, salmon, chopped lettuce, and your favorite toppings including tomatoes, corn, crushed tortilla chips and either sour cream/Greek yogurt or I highly recommend either Avocado Crema, Tomatillo Avocado Ranch or Cilantro Lime Dressing.
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