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Front-view plated cedar plank grilled salmon with fresh dill, grilled lemon, smoky glaze, and rustic white serving plate.

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon (Smoky Juicy BBQ Salmon Ready in 30 Minutes)

Samantha
This Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon is smoky, buttery, flaky, and packed with fresh lemon garlic flavor in every bite. Fresh salmon fillets are gently grilled over a cedar plank to create tender restaurant-style texture with rich wood-fired aroma, making this healthy seafood recipe perfect for summer BBQs, backyard cookouts, and easy high-protein dinners at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American-Inspired Seafood, BBQ Grilling
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets 6–8 ounces / 170–225g each, skin-on preferred
  • 1 untreated cedar grilling plank
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon slices for serving

Optional additions:

  • Honey glaze
  • Dijon mustard
  • Fresh dill
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh thyme

Instructions
 

  • Soak the Cedar Plank: Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1–2 hours before grilling to help prevent burning and create cleaner smoky flavor during cooking. I usually place a heavy bowl on top to keep the plank fully submerged.
  • Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and brush lightly with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning while keeping the flavors balanced so the cedar smoke remains the highlight.
  • Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Brush some of the butter mixture over the salmon and reserve the rest for finishing later.
  • Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates if needed. Place the soaked cedar plank directly onto the grill and allow it to heat until it begins lightly smoking and crackling.
  • Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down onto the heated cedar plank and close the grill lid. Cook until the salmon becomes flaky, moist, lightly caramelized, and tender while still staying juicy inside. Avoid flipping the salmon because the cedar plank already protects the fish during cooking. I usually remove the salmon just before fully done since it continues cooking slightly after leaving the grill.
  • Finish and Serve: Brush the salmon with the remaining lemon garlic butter and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices before serving. Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon tastes best fresh off the grill while the smoky cedar aroma still lingers and the salmon remains buttery and flaky.

Notes

Chef’s Quick Notes for Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

1. Soak the Cedar Plank Properly

A fully soaked cedar plank: creates cleaner smoky flavor, prevents excessive burning, and helps Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon cook more evenly while preserving juicy flaky texture.

2. Use Center-Cut Salmon Fillets

Thicker center-cut salmon: stays more tender and buttery during grilling while absorbing cedar smoke more consistently without drying out too quickly.

3. Keep the Seasoning Balanced

Simple seasoning blends: allow the smoky cedar flavor and rich salmon texture to remain the highlight instead of overpowering the fish with too many spices.

4. Moderate Grill Heat Works Best

Medium grill heat: helps create tender flaky salmon with gentle caramelization while preserving moisture and preventing the cedar plank from scorching too aggressively.

5. Fresh Lemon Juice Makes a Huge Difference

Fresh citrus flavor: brightens the smoky grilled salmon naturally while balancing the buttery richness of the lemon garlic butter beautifully.

6. Don’t Flip the Salmon

Leaving the salmon skin-side down: helps preserve delicate texture and prevents the fish from breaking apart during cedar plank grilling.

7. Remove the Salmon Slightly Early

Slightly undercooked salmon: continues cooking after leaving the grill, which helps preserve moist buttery texture instead of dry overcooked seafood.

8. Serve It Immediately Off the Grill

Fresh-off-the-grill Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon: delivers the best smoky aroma, juicy flaky texture, and rich lemon garlic butter flavor while the cedar smoke still lingers beautifully.
Keyword backyard BBQ dinner, easy high-protein dinner, flaky grilled seafood, healthy summer grilling, lemon garlic butter salmon, omega-3 rich meal, smoky cedar plank flavor, wood plank grilling