Cedar Plank Salmon

A whole salmon fillet cooks gently on a soaked cedar plank, absorbing sweet, smoky wood flavor while staying moist and never touching direct flame. A simple maple-dijon glaze and fresh dill finish it off for an effortlessly elegant grilled main.

By · BBQ & Grilling

Prep: 20 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 40 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Submerge the cedar plank in water and weigh it down with a heavy object; soak for at least 1 hour, ideally 2, so it smokes rather than burns.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and set up for indirect cooking.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the soaked plank on the direct heat side of the grill for 3-4 minutes until it starts to crackle and smoke slightly.
  5. Flip the plank, place the salmon skin-side down on the toasted side, and brush generously with the maple-dijon glaze.
  6. Move the plank to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook 15-18 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 125-130°F internally for medium.
  7. Scatter fresh dill and lemon slices over the top for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  8. Carefully transfer the plank to a heatproof surface, let rest 5 minutes, then serve directly from the plank with extra glaze spooned over.