Cedar Plank Salmon

Grilled Cedar Planked Salmon is simple and delicious

It’s perfect when paired with a crisp chilled French Rose!

Cedar plank salmon is one of the easiest ways to infuse a soft smoky flavor. The salmon stays tender on the inside, because you are cooking it over indirect heat, but has a lovely roasted flavor on the outside.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe

What do cedar planks do for salmon?

The warm plank allows the inside of the fish to gently steam and the cedar plank actually becomes a type of barrier between the grill and the fish. As the cedar plank heats up and the fish begins to cook, the moisture from the plank rises up and infuses the fish with the flavor of cedar. The result is a gorgeous grilled flavor on the outside of the salmon with a perfectly steamed center.

How to prepare a cedar plank for grilling:

• You MUST soak the cedar plank, prior to cooking, in water. Or try soaking in a combination of water and a little white wine, cider, or sake to give your plank an extra infused dash of flavor. This soak will ensure the plank does not catch fire.

• Plan your prep time to include soaking the plank for 30-minutes (and up to 2 hours). The easiest way is to submerge it on a baking sheet and then weigh down the plank with a filled ramekin or bowl to keep it fully submerged (see photo below for example)
• Pat the plank dry before using for best results

What can you cook on a cedar plank?

We find the best type of salmon to use is King Salmon, but other types of fish will work, as well. King Salmon has a rich flavor and is high in omega-3. Wild salmon is generally considered to be the best salmon to consume. However, there are five types of Pacific salmon and two types of Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon is typically farmed, while Pacific salmon species are primarily wild-caught.

You can substitute with many other types of protein or vegetables. Cedar plank cooking is a great way to cook vegetables without adding much oil. It’s best to cook different foods on separate planks.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Jumbo scallops
• Jumbo shrimp
• Lobster
• Cod
• Halibut
• Steelhead Trout
• Pork
• Chicken
• Tofu
• Large cuts of vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower slices, onions, or halved tomatoes
• Large pieces of hearty fruit, such as thick pineapple slices

How to grill salmon on a cedar plank:

This cedar plank salmon recipe method is so simple. Just follow these important steps:

• Soak the plank for at least 30-minutes and up to 2 hours
• Pat the plank dry
• Season the fish with olive oil and place skin side down on the plank
• Season the top of the fish with your seasoning of choice. We use our own homemade Potlatch Seasoning
• Place the plank in the center of the hot grill and cover the grill
• You do not need to flip fish on a cedar plank
• Grill for about 20 minutes for a large piece of salmon and 12-15 for a smaller fillet. Aim for an internal temperature of about 135˚F
• Serve directly from the plank, if desired

How long to grill Salmon on a cedar plank?

The amount of time your salmon is on the grill depends on the size and thickness of your fillet. We have had the best results with a larger piece, that you cut later, but if you only have smaller fillets on hand just cook for a shorter amount of time. A full large piece of salmon will take about 20-minutes. Single pieces will take about 15-minutes.

The best cedar plank salmon seasoning: Potlatch Seasoning

We sprinkle our amazing homemade Potlatch Seasoning mixture on fish to really amp up the flavor. Potlatch is the perfect cedar plank salmon seasoning because all the flavors seem to marry so well with the fish.

However you can sprinkle this seasoning on any type of chicken or fish for a zesty flavor. The seasoning is super simple to make with just 9 herbs from your pantry.

Where to buy cedar planks:

Cedar planks are available online, at hardware stores, or at some grocery stores. We get our cedar planks on Amazon.

Can you reuse a cedar plank for salmon?

You can, but we don’t recommend it as the planks retain the flavor of the fish (or whatever you are cooking) and generally get fairly warped.

If you are are grilling fruits or vegetables then reusing can be a good idea.

Topping Grilled Fish with Flavored Butters:

Compound butter, also called flavored butter, is one of the easiest ways to upgrade any recipe. You can make a big batch of flavored compound butter and freeze it, so you always have some on hand. For today we made just enough garlic herb butter for this recipe and it’s listed in the recipe card below.

Or top your fish, chicken or vegetables with any variety of our compound butters for delicious results.

Great side dishes to pair with cedar plank salmon:

• Tricolore Salad is a light citrusy salad
• Grilled Corn with Sweet Chili Sauce can be grilled alongside the salmon
• Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad for a zesty kick
• Spicy Szechuan Green Beans are big on flavor
• Flaky Baking Powder Biscuits also go well with compound butter!
• Easy Beer Bread or Beer Bread Rolls are super simple to make with no yeast

Suggested Wine Pairings for Grilled Salmon on a Cedar Plank:

This dish pairs well with a full-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay, or a crisp fruity Rose, and a lively fruity Pinot Noir. Look for any available vintages of the following:

Your weekday wine:

• Chateau de Fabregues Costieres de Nimes Rose, France

Your weekend wine:

• Rock Angel Rose, France

• Testarossa Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay, California

A special occasion wine:

• Cristom Louise Pinot Noir, Oregon

• Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley