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Flavorful Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe Easy Maple Glaze for Perfect Grilling

cedar plank salmon - featured image

This cedar plank salmon with maple glaze offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Grilling on cedar planks keeps the salmon tender and juicy, making it a quick and crowd-pleasing dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
  • Cedar planks, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A amber preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Fresh dill or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar planks in a shallow pan with water, submerging completely. Soak for at least 1 hour to prevent burning on the grill.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Clean grates to avoid sticking.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each side lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  5. Remove cedar planks from water and pat dry. Lay salmon fillets skin-side down on the planks. Brush a generous layer of maple glaze over the top of each fillet.
  6. Place cedar planks directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness (about 1 inch / 2.5 cm). The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The glaze should be caramelized but not burnt.
  7. Carefully lift the cedar planks off the grill using tongs or a spatula. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and intensify flavor.
  8. Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill or parsley if desired. Serve directly on the plank for a rustic presentation or transfer to plates.

Notes

Soak cedar planks thoroughly to prevent burning and allow gentle smoke infusion. Keep grill at medium heat to avoid plank burning. Use skin-on fillets to keep salmon moist. Apply a thin, even coat of glaze to prevent flare-ups. Check internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Let salmon rest after grilling for best texture. Cedar planks can be reused if cleaned and dried properly.

Nutrition

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