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Perfect Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Recipe with Easy Maple Dijon Glaze

cedar plank grilled salmon - featured image

This cedar plank grilled salmon features a sticky-sweet maple Dijon glaze that caramelizes beautifully, imparting a smoky aroma and keeping the salmon moist and flavorful. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for impressing guests or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on, center-cut salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 1 untreated cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Chopped dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to prevent burning and release smoky aroma.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). For charcoal grills, create an indirect heat zone by spreading coals on one side.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help glaze stick and promote even cooking.
  5. Brush or spoon the maple Dijon glaze generously over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, reserving some glaze for basting.
  6. Remove cedar plank from water and place it on the grill over direct heat for about 2 minutes to start smoking and prevent sticking.
  7. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank.
  8. Close grill lid and cook salmon for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness (about 1 inch thick). Halfway through cooking, baste salmon with reserved glaze.
  9. Check for doneness when salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking.
  10. Remove plank from grill and let salmon rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank thoroughly to prevent burning and ensure gentle smoke infusion. Use skin-on fillets to keep salmon juicy and prevent sticking. Apply glaze at the start and baste halfway through cooking for best caramelization. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups. If no grill is available, bake salmon on cedar plank at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, grilled salmon, maple Dijon glaze, easy salmon recipe, outdoor cooking, healthy dinner, quick salmon recipe