Cedar Plank Salmon

Short description

A beautifully rustic salmon preparation where the fish is grilled or baked on a soaked cedar plank, infused with smoky aroma and glazed with a honey–Dijon–lemon marinade, then garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices—a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky, aromatic flavor: Soaking the cedar plank releases savory wood smoke that enhances the taste of the salmon.
• No-fuss prep: A single plank makes grilling or baking straightforward, with minimal cleanup.
• Balanced glaze: The honey–Dijon–lemon coating adds tang, sweetness, and depth.
• Versatile cooking: Works beautifully on both grill and oven with consistent results.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 whole salmon fillet (about 2 lb)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Soak plank: Submerge cedar plank in water for 1–2 hours (overnight optional). Drain and pat dry.
2. Season salmon: Brush both sides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey; sprinkle garlic and dill.
3. Preheat cooking surface:
   • Grill: Medium-high (375°F/190°C)
   • Oven: 375°F (190°C) with rack positioned in the center
4. Place fish: Lay salmon, skin-side down, on the cedar plank.
5. Cook:
   • Grill: Close lid and cook 15–20 min, until salmon flakes with a fork.
   • Oven: Bake on a sheet pan for 15–20 min to the same doneness.
6. Baste (optional): Halfway through, brush with extra honey–Dijon glaze.
7. Serve: Remove from plank, garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill, and slice into portions.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6 (depending on portion size)
• Prep time: ~5 minutes plus 1–2 hours soaking
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time (excluding soaking): ~20–25 minutes

Variations

• Herb twist: Swap dill for fresh basil or tarragon.
• Spicy glaze: Stir in ½ tsp crushed red pepper or sriracha.
• Citrus blend: Add orange juice or zest to the marinade.
• Maple glaze: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for richer sweetness.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until just heated—avoid drying out.
• Note: Flavors and moisture may diminish if overcooked.

FAQ

1. Do I have to soak the cedar plank?

Yes—soaking for at least 1 hour prevents the wood from burning and helps create steam that infuses the salmon with smoky flavor.

2. Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole fillet?

Absolutely. Just divide it into portions and arrange them on the plank in a single layer.

3. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of about 145 °F (63 °C).

4. Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes—season the salmon and soak the plank ahead of time. Cook when ready.

5. What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Use 1 tsp dried dill or swap for fresh parsley, basil, or tarragon.

6. Can I bake without the cedar plank?

Yes, you can bake directly on a greased baking sheet, but you’ll miss the distinctive cedar aroma.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes—as written, it’s gluten-free (check Dijon mustard label if needed).

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use two planks or a larger plank and ensure even spacing without overcrowding.

9. Any side dish recommendations?

Try rice, roasted vegetables, fresh salad, or grilled asparagus.

10. What if I only have a grill pan?

You can’t use a cedar plank, but grill pan cooking works—season salmon and grill like usual.

Conclusion

Cedar Plank Salmon is an elegant yet effortless dish that brings smoky, tender salmon to your table with minimal prep. The sweet-and-tangy Dijon glaze, aromatic wood smoke, and vibrant garnish create a restaurant-quality meal with at-home ease. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions—dig in and savor every flavorful bite!

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