Cedar Plank Salmon: Easy Recipe!

Okay, mom tribe, let’s chat about a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly super easy: Cedar Plank Salmon! I still remember the first time I made it. It was a chaotic Tuesday night, the kids were hangry, and I needed something quick and healthy. I’d seen Cedar Plank Salmon recipes floating around and thought, “Why not?” Let me tell you, the smoky flavor and moist, flaky salmon were a total game-changer. The best part? Minimal cleanup!

This Cedar Plank Salmon quickly became a family favorite. It’s one of those meals that even my pickiest eater will happily devour. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive meal, especially when those 5 PM dinner time decisions creep in, then join me as we try this together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, friend, don’t panic! This Cedar Plank Salmon ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1.5 – 2 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off: I usually grab mine at Costco because #momlife and bulk buying are my jam.
• 1 cedar plank: You can find these at most grocery stores or home improvement stores. Soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: You can also use avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: I love using the pre-minced garlic from the jar! It’s such a sanity saver.
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon dried dill: Fresh dill works great too, but dried is what I usually have on hand.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Or more, to taste!
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best if you can get to it!

No worries if you don’t have fresh lemon – I use bottled lemon juice all the time in my Cedar Plank Salmon, and it turns out just fine! You can grab the rest of the ingredients at Target while doing your regular grocery run. This Cedar Plank Salmon doesn’t have to break the bank. A little goes a long way, I always say! My family loves when I add a little bit of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

Here’s a Cedar Plank Salmon hack that saved my sanity: I prep the salmon and plank in the morning so that it’s ready to go when dinnertime rolls around! For another sanity-saving dinner idea, check out my spicy black bean soup.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get this Cedar Plank Salmon cooking!

1. First, soak that cedar plank! You need to soak your cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. I usually put something heavy on top to keep it submerged. I sometimes even do it in the bathtub if my sink is too full with dishes. Mom life, right?
2. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the Cedar Plank Salmon in the oven at 375°F (190°C). See Cedar Plank Oven • Recipe for Perfection to help you out.
3. While the grill heats, prep your salmon. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill. Let it heat up for a few minutes until it starts to lightly smoke.
6. Place the salmon fillet on the cedar plank, skin side down if you left the skin on.
7. Brush the salmon with the olive oil mixture. Then, arrange the lemon slices over the top of the salmon. This Cedar Plank Salmon is looking good!
8. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cedar plank salmon internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Don’t panic if your Cedar Plank Salmon looks a little charred around the edges – that’s just the plank doing its thing!
9. Carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Cedar Plank Salmon – I would forget to soak the plank long enough, and it would catch fire! Don’t make my mistake! In my chaotic kitchen, this Cedar Plank Salmon usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. While your Cedar Plank Salmon is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Your Cedar Plank Salmon should smell amazing by now!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so how does this Cedar Plank Salmon fit into our beautiful, chaotic family dinners? The kids devour this Cedar Plank Salmon when I serve it with roasted broccoli and rice. The subtle flavors are a hit. I also make sweet potato fries – they are the best side dish and the kids never complain!

This Cedar Plank Salmon is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you want something healthy but don’t have a ton of time. It’s also elegant enough to serve to guests!

For presentation, I like to serve the Cedar Plank Salmon right on the plank for a rustic, family-style meal. Plus, it’s one less dish to wash! If there are leftovers, which is rare, I flake the salmon and add it to salads or pasta dishes for lunch the next day. My family loves this even more than my homemade spiced pumpkin butter!

In the summer, I love grilling the Cedar Plank Salmon outside for a smoky flavor. In the winter, I bake it in the oven. I’ve served this Cedar Plank Salmon to friends and family so many times. They always rave about the flavor! This Cedar Plank Salmon reminds me of another family favorite, my spicy black bean soup.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, mamas, let’s tackle those burning questions you have about making Cedar Plank Salmon!

• Can my picky eater handle this Cedar Plank Salmon? Absolutely! The flavor is mild and the texture is flaky, which kids tend to like. You can also skip the dill and just use lemon slices for a simpler flavor.
• What if I burn my Cedar Plank Salmon? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Don’t beat yourself up! Just carefully remove the burnt parts and salvage what you can. Next time, make sure your grill isn’t too hot and keep a closer eye on the plank.
• Can I make this Cedar Plank Salmon ahead for meal prep? Yes! Cook the salmon as directed, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s delicious cold or reheated.
• Is cedar wood salmon sustainable? Look for cedar planks that are certified sustainable. This ensures that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
• Can I use other types of wood planks? Yes, you can! Alder and maple planks also work well with salmon. They will impart different flavors, so experiment and see what you like best. You should look at How to grill Salmon on a cedar plank – Colorful Recipes
• How do I know when the Cedar Plank Salmon is done? The cedar plank salmon internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). The salmon should also flake easily with a fork.
• What if I don’t have a grill? No problem! You can bake the Cedar Plank Salmon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
• How do I prevent the cedar plank from catching fire? Make sure to soak the plank for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can also keep a spray bottle of water nearby to spritz the plank if it starts to get too hot.
• What if my family doesn’t like salmon? You can use this same method with other types of fish, like trout or cod. You can even try it with chicken!

My family loves when I add a drizzle of honey to the Cedar Plank Salmon for a touch of sweetness. My husband prefers his with a squeeze of lime juice. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my one pot cowboy stew recipe!

Final Thoughts:

Cedar Plank Salmon is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory waiting to happen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a weekend gathering. It’s special to my family because it’s a meal that brings us together, even amidst the chaos. It’s one we can all agree on and enjoy, which is a win in my book! And it reminds me of another meal, my one pot cowboy stew recipe.

Here are my Cedar Plank Salmon Mom Hacks:

• Soak the plank while you’re prepping other ingredients.
• Use pre-minced garlic to save time.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings.

Here are a few family-tested Cedar Plank Salmon variations:

• Maple-Glazed: Brush the salmon with maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Lemon-Herb: Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the lemon slices.
• Spicy: Sprinkle the salmon with red pepper flakes before grilling.

My daughter loves the maple-glazed version, while my son prefers the spicy version. My husband always goes for the classic lemon-herb.

I hope you feel inspired to try this Cedar Plank Salmon recipe and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find what your family loves best. And remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful!

So, fellow kitchen warriors, grab your cedar plank, fire up the grill (or preheat the oven), and let’s create some mealtime magic! You’ve got this!

 

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