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Flavorful Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Sweet Maple Glaze

cedar plank salmon - featured image

A simple yet impressive cedar plank salmon recipe featuring a sweet maple glaze that delivers a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Ideal for quick dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Four 6-ounce (170g) skin-on salmon fillets, fresh and preferably wild-caught
  • One untreated cedar grilling plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • ¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup, grade A or organic
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly cracked ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 60 minutes (up to 2 hours) to prevent burning and allow smoke flavor infusion.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice to prepare the glaze.
  3. Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil and season with freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Use a basting brush to generously coat each salmon fillet with the maple glaze, covering the top and sides.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). For gas grills, preheat with the lid closed for about 10 minutes; for charcoal, let coals burn down to medium heat.
  6. Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and heat for 3-5 minutes until the plank starts to smoke and crackle lightly.
  7. Carefully place the glazed salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. Close the grill lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
  8. Watch for flare-ups; if flames arise, move the plank to a cooler part of the grill or briefly lift the lid to calm the fire.
  9. Remove the cedar plank from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and ensure gentle smoke infusion. Use skin-on salmon fillets for better texture and moisture retention. Watch for flare-ups during grilling and keep a spray bottle of water handy. The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. If no grill is available, broil the salmon on the soaked cedar plank in the oven for 10-12 minutes, watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, maple glaze, grilled salmon, sweet and smoky salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, seafood recipe