This cedar plank salmon recipe is among the simplest salmon dishes I have ever prepared! Its delightful sweet and smoky flavor comes from a delectable grilled salmon rub consisting of brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper...
Cedar Plank Salmon
Another salmon recipe??? Indeed! Perhaps I am merely compensating for lost time, but I am thoroughly enjoying the exploration of new salmon recipes after finally overcoming my anxiety related to cooking fresh fish.
During my upbringing, fish was not a staple in our diet (aside from the occasional fish sticks, LOL), leaving me with absolutely no experience in preparing it. Therefore, I want to emphasize that if I can manage it, anyone can! Simple recipes like this one are the ideal starting point.
This sweet and smoky grilled cedar plank salmon recipe is, without a doubt, the easiest salmon recipe I have encountered thus far. You merely coat fresh salmon fillets with a quick and straightforward grilled salmon rub, which is essentially a simple dry rub made from brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
After that, you simply grill it on a cedar plank and serve... It is incredibly delicious and an excellent way to impress your guests!
Alaska Seafood frozen Alaskan salmon fillets package for plank salmon
Why I Choose Wild Alaskan Salmon
Naturally, I advocate for starting with Alaskan salmon — as all Alaskan salmon is wild-caught, never farmed.
Why is this significant to me? Wild salmon boasts higher omega-3 content, lower fat levels, and fewer toxins compared to farmed fish. Therefore, if I do not see it clearly labeled, I always confirm that the salmon at my local grocery stores is indeed Alaskan salmon.
As I did today when I could not find it in the fresh fish section... The Alaskan salmon season is drawing to a close, making it increasingly difficult to find it on display. However, the butcher behind the counter kindly directed me to some bagged frozen Alaskan salmon.
This turned out to be quite convenient, as the salmon fillets had all the pin bones already removed. While not a major issue, it is certainly a nice advantage!
NOTE: If you are in search of a superb source for wild Alaskan salmon, I strongly recommend ButcherBox's high-quality, sustainably harvested, wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon!
cedar plank salmon seasoning grilled salmon rub made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper
Sweet & Spicy Brown Sugar Salmon Rub Recipe
Four simple ingredients constitute the brown sugar salmon spice rub for this cedar plank salmon: brown sugar for sweetness (as expected!), smoked paprika for a hint of smoky spice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simply mix them thoroughly with a fork, and it is ready for use.
You can even prepare this straightforward grilled salmon seasoning rub in advance to have it readily available. Just keep it in an airtight container. Then give it a shake before using to ensure the ingredients are well-combined.
P.S. This salmon dry rub is also quite delicious on grilled chicken thighs and/or pork chops, as well. Grill them alongside your salmon for those who do not prefer fish!
cedar plank salmon grill topped with brown sugar grilled salmon seasoning
How To Cook Cedar Plank Salmon On The Grill
While you do not HAVE to grill this salmon recipe on a cedar plank... it is certainly an enjoyable and unique method to prepare fish, as well as being one of the simplest ways to do so. My children were very eager to try it!
Make sure to use an untreated cedar plank for grilling. I have noticed them on clearance at nearly all the grocery and hardware stores I have visited recently, making this an ideal time of year to experiment with it affordably.
It imparts a distinct cedar flavor to your salmon, so if you discover that it is not to your liking, simply use a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil next time and reduce the grilling time slightly.
Would you like to learn how to cook cedar plank salmon on the grill? There are really just two essential things you need to know:
Ensure that you soak your cedar plank in water for a minimum of one hour prior to grilling to avoid it igniting.
Once soaked, gently pat it dry, and apply a small amount of olive oil to the side where you will place the salmon fillet to prevent sticking.
Additionally, this cedar plank grilling method is effective on both gas and charcoal grills, yielding delicious salmon that is perfectly cooked. This truly is the ultimate salmon recipe for the summer season!
Moreover, it can also be utilized in the oven if you wish to prepare baked cedar plank salmon during the colder winter months. Please refer to the notes in the recipe card for guidance on how to prepare cedar plank salmon in the oven.
Grilling salmon on a plank with a brown sugar salmon rub.
How Long Should You Grill Salmon On A Cedar Plank?
Position each of your salmon fillets skin side down on the oiled surface of the soaked plank. Brush the fillets with olive oil and generously apply the brown sugar salmon rub on top. Place the cedar planks directly onto the hot grill grates. Cover the grill and cook over indirect medium-high heat for approximately 15 minutes.
Salmon cooks rapidly, so monitor it closely to determine if it is fully cooked and flakes easily as you approach the 15-minute mark. If you prefer to rely on internal temperature, salmon is considered fully cooked when it reaches 145 degrees internally at the thickest part of the fish.
Once finished, you may serve this flaky salmon directly on the cedar plank or transfer it to a serving platter! A few slices of lemon on the side always enhance the presentation.
Recipe Notes
Baked Cedar Plank Salmon
Indeed, it is possible to bake salmon on a cedar plank in the oven! Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Adhere to the instructions provided above up to Step 3. Bake the salmon at 400 degrees for a duration of 15-20 minutes. It is considered done when it is fully cooked, flakes easily, and attains an internal temperature of 145 degrees in the thickest section of the fish.
Can You Reuse Cedar Planks?
Many of you have inquired about the possibility of reusing cedar planks... Used cedar planks can be reused indefinitely, provided they remain in good condition without excessive charring.
Here are some additional tips for reusing them:
Thoroughly rinse the used cedar planks with hot water, and ensure they are completely dry.
Store the used planks in the freezer between uses.
For optimal flavor, it is advisable to use the same planks for the same type of protein or vegetables each time. Utilizing them for the same recipe is even more beneficial, as they will retain those flavors and seasonings.
When the cedar planks become significantly charred, dispose of them and start using a new plank!
More Easy Salmon Recipes To Try
Are you looking to incorporate more salmon recipes into your menu? Here are a couple of equally delicious and simple options!
Lemony Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon In Foil Packets With Green Beans — This straightforward grilled salmon in foil recipe is infused with lemony garlic butter flavor! Including green beans in the foil packet ensures you have a healthy protein and side dish ready in under 30 minutes...
Parsley & Garlic-Rubbed Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus And Potatoes — This oven-baked salmon recipe, rubbed with parsley and garlic, is sure to become your new favorite... It creates a main dish along with two sides, all using just one pan for cleanup!
FISH AND SEAFOOD RECIPE INGREDIENTS
1. Grill chorizo on a charcoal or gas grill until well done. Cool cooked sausage in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Using a food processor, chop sausage into pea-sized pieces. Place into mixing bowl and blend well with bread crumbs and lemon zest. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Soak cedar plank(s) in water for at least 3 hours.
3. Place salmon, skin side down, onto soaked cedar plank. There should be a 1-inch space between each piece of salmon. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide chorizo topping into 4 equal portions and place on top of the fish. Place salmon on planks onto grill and close lid. Cook for 15 minutes. (Note: The plank will char around the edges but should not catch flame.)
5. Place onto platter, drizzle with melted butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon. Serve immediately....enjoy it !
- Cedar Plank Salmon Ingredients:
- 4 pieces wild Alaskan salmon, skin-on, 7 ounces each
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 lemon halves
- 4 food-safe cedar planks (or one plank large enough to fit four pieces of fish)
- Chorizo Topping Ingredients:
- 8 ounces chorizo sausage links
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- Zest from 1 medium lemon
1. Grill chorizo on a charcoal or gas grill until well done. Cool cooked sausage in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Using a food processor, chop sausage into pea-sized pieces. Place into mixing bowl and blend well with bread crumbs and lemon zest. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Soak cedar plank(s) in water for at least 3 hours.
3. Place salmon, skin side down, onto soaked cedar plank. There should be a 1-inch space between each piece of salmon. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide chorizo topping into 4 equal portions and place on top of the fish. Place salmon on planks onto grill and close lid. Cook for 15 minutes. (Note: The plank will char around the edges but should not catch flame.)
5. Place onto platter, drizzle with melted butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon. Serve immediately....enjoy it !
