Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Ginger Glaze
42 Comments
Updated Feb 07, 2023
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Cedar plank salmon is a delicious way to grill salmon with enormous flavor. You get that lovely smoky flavor in the fish, the salmon stays extra moist and you don’t have to worry about the salmon sticking to the grill and falling apart. Brush the salmon with my maple ginger glaze and you’ll soon have a new favorite salmon recipe.
Cedar plank salmon! Have you ever made it? If not, you’ll have to give it a try because it’s so darn easy and imbues a wonderful smokey flavor into the salmon.
If you’ve ever tried to grill salmon you know how difficult it can be. The salmon often sticks to the grill (even if you’ve oiled it) and as you try to flip or remove the salmon, it falls apart and you lose half of it between the grill grates. That’s not fun. But good news, the cedar plank solves that problem.
Because there’s no direct heat charring the bottom of the salmon, the salmon also stays incredibly moist when cooked on a cedar plank.
But there’s one more reason why I love cedar plank salmon, as a gluten-free gal. And it’s a biggie – I don’t have to worry about cross-contamination.
That’s a huge consideration, especially during the summer months when everyone is using public grills or at friend’s houses using their grills. Unfortunately, the heat from the grill doesn’t “kill” any gluten that may be lurking on the grill grates. If high-heat did that, all deep fried foods would be gluten-free – and of course you know they’re not. So cedar planks to the rescue!
How Long Should You Soak Cedar Planks?
Cedar planks should be soaked for at least 1-2 hours. I buy these ones that are extra long to better accommodate a big filet. But if you plan to grill smaller salmon pieces, you could opt for a shorter length.
Can You Reuse Cedar Planks?
No, they’re a one-time use item. Even if yours isn’t completely charred, it’s not safe to use it again from a food safety standpoint.
How to Make Cedar Plank Salmon
Once you make this recipe you’ll wonder why you haven’t made cedar plank salmon sooner. Here’s how easy it is:
- Soak the planks for at least 1-2 hours in water, then dry with a kitchen towel.
- Preheat your grill to medium high.
- Toast the planks (optional) to dry them off. Just place them empty on the grill for 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
- Place the salmon on the planks. If your salmon doesn’t fit, you can use more than one plank or place it on a diagonal across several planks.
- Season your salmon with the maple ginger glaze on the plank. You can add more glaze halfway through as well.
- Cook the salmon for 12-15 minutes on medium indirect heat.
Once your salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill with tongs. Place it on a baking sheet or other surface that can handle the hot temperature of the wood (and remember this will get dirty from the charred wood). Slice the salmon into pieces and enjoy!
What to serve with the salmon? I love my Bok Choy, Coleslaw and Potato Salad. And if it’s an outdoor party, don’t forget the Guacamole and Pico de Gallo to nibble on.
Watch Me Make This Cedar Plank Salmon
More Salmon Recipes
Here are six more salmon recipes that you’ll love!
- Dijon Baked Salmon
- Orange Glazed Salmon
- Salmon Patties (Salmon Cakes)
- Smoked Salmon Frittata
- Salmon Avocado Salad
Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Ginger Glaze
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Salmon, (Sockeye, Coho, King)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup tamari, or coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
Garnish
- green onion (optional)
Instructions
- Submerge your cedar planks in water for at least 2 hours. You may need to put something heavy on them to keep them under water.
- Add the maple syrup, tamari, lemon juice, garlic and ginger to a small pot on high heat. Bring the sauce to a boil and then turn it down to low, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced in half and becomes thicker, then remove from the heat.
- Turn the grill on medium high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If possible, use indirect heat.
- While the grill is heating, pat down the salmon to remove any extra moisture. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the soaked cedar plank and brush the glaze over the whole salmon. (Optional: You can remove the skin from the salmon before placing on the plank.)
- Once the grill has heated, place the cedar plank in the middle of the grill and close the lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes. It's better to slightly under cook the salmon than overcook, as it will continue cooking once removed from the grill. You can add a little more glaze to the salmon halfway through the cooking process.
- Once the salmon is done, turn the grill off and use 2 tongs to transport the cedar plank to a large baking pan. Add optional toppings like green onion and serve immediately.
Lisa's Tips
- If you're grilling a large filet as I'm doing in this recipe, make sure you get cedar planks that are 15" long. The standard 12" ones are usually too short, but they work fine for 2-4 individual pieces.
Nutrition
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Hi Lisa,
If I don’t have a grill and want to bake it in the oven, should I use liquid smoke for the smokey flavor ? Trying to make this for Christmas dinner, might be unconventional.
Hi Sanne – you could definitely add liquid smoke to replicate that flavor. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
I made this for Easter dinner last night and it was a big hit. Even my 5-year-old ate every bite!
This was absolutely fantastic! I was so nervous cooking salmon at home, but using the cedar plank alleviated some of that worry. The end result completely blew me away. And the sauce is killer! I only had a half-pound salmon fillet, so I made the recipe with sauce to spare. I’m glad I did. I tossed some sauce onto roasted brussels sprouts and served them alongside the salmon, and I still have plenty extra to spare.
Excellent as always, can’t wait to try out the next Downshiftology recipe!
Amazing! The maple ginger glaze really makes this salmon recipe oh so delicious. Can’t wait to hear about what you make next :)
Can you cook in oven on cedar plank as well.
Hi Cynthia – yes, it can go in the oven as long as it’s fully soaked.
Family loves this recipe. I did cook the salmon to about 145 degrees. It took a bit longer than 15 minutes but even at 145 it was just done. The marinade smelled and tasted great. Love it and will try it again next time I have salmon. Thanks!
Wonderful! Glad this salmon recipe was a success Steve.
Hi Lisa, Everytime I made a salmon it was always dry and I tried your recipe and love this salmon recipe. Super simple and yet so flavorful. Thank you ❤️
Happy to hear you enjoy this chia pudding recipe so much!
Can you use fillets without the skin on the plank or will the meat stick to the plank?
Hi Maria – yes, you can remove the skin before cooking. It shouldn’t be a problem.
Where do you buy your salmon? I’m weary of buying it from the supermarkets because you never know where it comes from.
Hi Karen- I normally buy mine from a place called Santa Monica Seafoods, but sometimes I’ll buy it at the supermarkets as well!
Hi Lisa, on the 1/3 cup of tamari/ coconut aminos, if you dont get it in my country what other substitutes can you use please??, thanks, and btw it looks delicious 👍🤗
Hi Shane – You can use regular soy sauce as well, if you don’t have any issues with soy or gluten.
What a yummy variation on salmon, thanks for the really clear cedar plank instructions, can’t wait to make it again!
I’m happy you loved the recipe Kelly! Once you’ve made it once or twice, you’ll be wanting to toss so many other ingredients onto those cedar planks as well. ;)
Love this salmon recipe. Super simple and yet so flavorful.
Thanks Sarah! Simple and flavorful are two of my specialties. :) Happy you loved the recipe!
Hi Lisa thanks for your beautiful recipes. I have so far made your coleslaw with the mayonnaise twice because it was delicious the first time. I am a bit constraint with time but I will definitely be trying other dishes. The salmon with maple ginger glaze looks delicious. Salmon is one of my favourite dishes and I will definitely be trying that one soon. Thanks for sharing your ideas. It is much appreciated.
You’re more than welcome Pauline! I’m happy you’ve enjoyed the coleslaw and mayo recipes. And I hope you enjoy this cedar plank salmon recipe as well. In fact, the coleslaw would be great served alongside this recipe. :)
I have cedar planks on my bucket list once they go on sale locally but that glaze! Oh my! I used the glaze on sea bass in my oven last night. Yum! As with each of your prep sauces, it has opened my cooking world for the better.
Oh wonderful! I’m happy you were able to use the glaze on the sea bass (which is another great option!). You’ll have to let me know your thoughts once you try it on the cedar plank next time. :)
Looks so delicious and festive! Perfect for dinner parties!
Yum, my dad has just given us a Weber and we have been looking at new things to cook with it. This salmon looks like just the answer! Also super keen to experiment with the cedar plank, I can just imagine the flavour it would bring to this dish!
Oh awesome! Then you’ll definitely have to give this recipe a try on your new grill. Cedar planks are the best! :) I hope you enjoy the recipe Laura!
Lisa
Can this recipe be made without a grill? I don’t have one!! How about on a nonstick pan?
Hi Paul – yes, you could certainly make it without a grill. Just place it in the oven either on the cedar plank or in a baking pan. You can follow the instructions on my Dijon Baked Salmon for cooking instructions.
Wow! This is everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Looking forward to giving this a try tomorrow!
Oh, thank you! Let me know how it turns out!
I love salmon – one of my favorite foods! This salmon looks so flavorful, tender, and delicious. Definitely adding this to my recipe lineup for this grilling season!
It’s definitely a recipe to have on repeat. And it’s great for serving a crowd around the grill. :) Hope you enjoy the recipe Sally!
Love how easy this salmon looks to make! I’m generally not one to cook a lot of fish, but think I need to give it a try!
It’s really simple, you’ll love it. And there’s so much flavor! Definitely give it a try. :)
Great recipe!! I love your maple ginger glaze and the plank added so much extra flavour. Can’t wait to make it again.
Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe Lyndsay!
Love her natural ad flavorful food!
Thanks so much Tiffany! I’m happy you love my recipes. :)
Can I make this in the oven rather than on a grill?
Yes, you can! It may not get quite as smoky, but it will still impart some of that flavor.