Cedar Plank Salmon

Name: Cedar Plank Salmon recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 6 oz salmon filets; 2 cedar grilling planks; 1/4 C diced red pepper; 1/4 C diced yellow pepper; 1/4 C red onion; 1/2 C corn cut from the cob; 1/2 lime; 2 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cumin; 2 tsp smoked salt; 1 tsp black pepper

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Grill perfect Cedar Plank Salmon with a smoky-sweet spice rub. This easy recipe delivers bold flavor in 40 minutes—no mess, just pure deliciousness!

grilled salmon on cedar plank, topped with corn and pepper mixture, partially eaten with gold fork

This easy grilled salmon recipe is an elegant looking meal that will please many a dinner guest. But Cedar Plank Salmon doesn't just look good. The cedar planks add a natural smoky flavor to the fish, and they make clean up a snap!

We created a signature sweet & smoky spice rub to add robust flavor, and topped it with a fresh corn and pepper mixture. Like our Blackened Salmon recipe and Grilled Flat Iron Steak, it's perfect for date night or a simple weeknight dinner. Pair it with a bottle of Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc.

Hint: make extra and use the leftovers to make Salmon Caesar Salad!

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Ingredients
🔪Top tip
Instructions
Wine Pairing
Variations
🐟 More salmon recipes
Storage
FAQ
Related recipes
Cedar Plank Salmon recipe

Ingredients

SALMON FILETS: we prefer wild salmon fillets like King (Chinook) Salmon or Sockeye (Red) Salmon
CEDAR PLANKS: we like these cedar grilling planks
RED PEPPER: diced red pepper
YELLOW PEPPER: diced yellow pepper
RED ONION: diced red onion
CORN: fresh corn, cut from the cob (can substitute frozen corn)
LIME: fresh squeezed lime juice
PAPRIKA: ground smoked paprika
ONION POWDER: for seasoning spice rub
GARLIC POWDER: for seasoning spice rub
BROWN SUGAR: for seasoning spice rub
CUMIN: for seasoning spice rub
SMOKED SALT: we like this smoked sea salt which adds depth of flavor. You can also use sea salt or kosher salt
BLACK PEPPER: freshly ground black pepper

*see recipe card for quantities.

🔪Top tip

Soak cedar planks in water for 15 minutes (up to 2 hours) before grilling so they don't catch fire on the grill.

white wine bottle with two servings of cedar plank salmon on white table with blue napkin, forks, wine glass

Instructions

Make Spice Rub: Prepare seasoning rub by combining the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, cumin, smoked salt and black pepper.
Make Corn/Vegetable Topping: Prepare topping by combining peppers, onion, corn and juice of lime. Add 2 teaspoon of spice mixture and mix to combine.
Soak Cedar Planks: Soak Cedar planks in water for 15 minutes to avoid burning on the grill.
Coat the Salmon with Spice Rub: Place salmon filets on cedar planks and cover generously with all of the spice rub.
Grill Salmon: Place cedar plank salmon on grill and cook for 10-12 minutes until done or internal temperature of 125°F
Plate and Serve: Remove salmon from grill and divide veggie mix over each filet and serve.

Wine Pairing

Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied, elegantly balanced wine with citrus and melon flavors. These flavors perfectly balance the simple bold flavors of our Grilled Salmon recipe.

grilled salmon fillet on cedar plank salmon, topped with corn and pepper mixture, on white surface with fork and blue napkin

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Variations

OVEN BAKED: bake cedar plank Salmon in the oven at 350° F on a baking sheet (to catch juices) for 12-15 minutes.
NO FRESH CORN? Use unsweetened canned corn or frozen corn.
SPICE IT UP: add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil to the spice mixture.

Buy food grade cedar planks at a kitchen supply store. Do not buy them at the hardware store as they may be treated with chemicals.

🐟 More salmon recipes

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days maximum.
Reheat in microwave or 350° F oven for 5 minutes.

grilled salmon on cedar plank, partially eaten with gold fork. White wine bottle in background

This post is sponsored by our friends at Cakebread Cellars. All opinions are our own.

FAQ

What’s the best type of salmon to use for cedar plank grilling?

We like wild caught salmon because it is usually lower in fat and calories. Sometimes it is hard to find, so farm raised salmon works. Just make sure to check that it has a nice color and texture.

What is the benefit of cooking salmon on a cedar plank?

Grilling salmon on a cedar plank infuses it with a mild, smoky flavor while keeping the fish moist and tender. It also prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Do you have to soak the cedar plank before grilling salmon?

Yes, soaking the cedar plank for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours) before grilling prevents it from catching fire and helps create flavorful steam that enhances the salmon’s taste.

How long should I grill cedar plank salmon?

Grill cedar plank salmon for 10-12 minutes over medium heat (375–400°F) until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium or 145°F for well-done.

Can I reuse a cedar plank for grilling salmon?

Reusing cedar planks is not recommended as they lose their flavor and may become brittle. However, if the plank is not charred, you can clean and reuse it once.

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