Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Moist, flaky salmon fillet grilled on a soaked cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Topped with a zesty dill and lemon butter. This healthy BBQ main feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare. Serve with grilled vegetables or rice.
About This Salmon Recipe
About This Recipe
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is a timeless favorite that blends comfort, flavor, and kitchen confidence in every bite. While versions of this dish vary by region and family tradition, the heart of it remains the same: simple ingredients, careful technique, and a result that feels both satisfying and memorable. Moist, flaky salmon fillet grilled on a soaked cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Topped with a zesty dill and lemon butter. This healthy BBQ main feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare. Serve with grilled vegetables or rice. The appeal of this recipe is how approachable it is for weeknights, while still feeling special enough for guests.
For the best result, focus on layering flavor in stages—build a solid base, control heat as you cook, and taste as you go. Small details matter: preheating properly, avoiding overcrowding, and finishing with fresh herbs or a bright acidic touch can dramatically improve the final plate. If you prep ingredients before starting, the workflow stays smooth and consistent.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance: rich but not heavy, familiar but still elevated. Serve it hot, garnish with intention, and pair it with a complementary side to round out the meal. Whether you are making it for family dinner or a special occasion, Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon is the kind of dish that rewards care and always feels worth repeating.
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon Ingredients
- 1 cedar grilling plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
- 2 lbs salmon fillet (skin-on)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
- 1
Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour before grilling. This is crucial to prevent the wood from burning up and creates steam that keeps the salmon moist.
- 2
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create a compound butter.
- 3
Rinse the salmon and pat it dry. Check for pin bones and remove them with tweezers. Place the salmon skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
- 4
Spread the dill-lemon butter evenly over the top of the salmon fillet. Place the plank directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the lid.
- 5
Grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). There is no need to flip the fish.
- 6
Carefully remove the plank from the grill (use oven mitts, as it will be hot). Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Bloom aromatics for 30–60 seconds before adding liquids to unlock deeper flavor in Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.
- Cook the main protein or core ingredient in batches if needed—overcrowding lowers pan heat and prevents proper browning.
- Reserve a small amount of cooking liquid to adjust texture at the end and keep the final result glossy, not dry.
- Finish with contrast: add a fresh element (herbs/citrus/crunch) right before serving to sharpen the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
420
Calories
38g
Protein
28g
Fat
4g
Carbs
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with a crisp seasonal salad or roasted vegetables for contrast and balance. Pair with sparkling water with citrus, a dry white wine, or light iced tea depending on the meal style. For presentation, plate in warm shallow bowls, add a neat finishing garnish, and leave visible texture on top for a premium restaurant-style look.
Recipe card
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Moist, flaky salmon fillet grilled on a soaked cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Topped with a zesty dill and lemon butter. This healthy BBQ main feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare. Serve with grilled vegetables or rice.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cedar grilling plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
- 2 lbs salmon fillet (skin-on)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour before grilling. This is crucial to prevent the wood from burning up and creates steam that keeps the salmon moist.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create a compound butter.
- Rinse the salmon and pat it dry. Check for pin bones and remove them with tweezers. Place the salmon skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
- Spread the dill-lemon butter evenly over the top of the salmon fillet. Place the plank directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the lid.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). There is no need to flip the fish.
- Carefully remove the plank from the grill (use oven mitts, as it will be hot). Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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