Grilled Salmon On A Cedar Plank

Grilled Salmon On A Cedar Plank, now being in the PNW, I am blessed to be able to catch my salmon. Salmon is one of those dinners that always seem too fancy for a weeknight dinner, but it is easy. Plus, it’s a healthy protein as well.

Now if you don’t have access to fresh salmon, there is nothing wrong with buying store-bought salmon or even having it shipped. Most salmon will come with the skin on the fillet, but they are deboned. If you didn’t know, Salmon has protein, vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, D, E, and selenium.

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Ingredients

• Salmon Fillet– I was lucky enough to have freshly caught, but you can also use store-bought and previously frozen fillets. Amazon and Walmart both have a great selection.
• Salmon Rub– You can do a homemade rub, but let’s face it, this is a fast and easy recipe. I used Trader Joe’s new salmon rub, and it was amazing! There were hints of smoke in it, but it is not overwhelming.
• Olive Oil
• Fresh Lemons

How To Use Cedar Planks

You will need to soak your cedar plank for about one to two hours in water before grilling.

I remove mine from the water and set them on a towel for five minutes before laying out my salmon on the planks.

Why do cedar planks need to be soaked before use on the grill or smoking? You soak the planks to allow them not to burn while smoking or grilling with them.  The moisture of the wood will also help to keep the salmon moist as well.  (You can grab at Walmart -> here or Amazon -> here) I grabbed the Grill Expert 2 pack at Walmart this time, and they worked great, especially for the price. 

how to grill salmon on wood plank

Start by defrosting your salmon if needed, or if it’s fresh, ensure it is appropriately cleaned and filleted.

Slice your lemons. I did little wedges. You can do rounds if you would like.

Once your cedar planks have been soaked, remove them from the water.

Oil both the skin side and the meat side of your salmon filet.

Lay down skin side down on the cedar plank.

Season to taste with your seasoning, I used Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub, but you can use any rub.

Space out pieces of lemon on your salmon fillet.

I made this on my Monument Grills 35633. I shared my full Monument Grill review before (you can see it -> here), but the window is still my favorite part of the grill! You can order one from Monument Grills, Amazon, or Home Depot!

Turn your grill onto a low-medium heat.

Once your grill has warmed up, take the planks out to the grill.

You can place it on the upper or lower racks., I knew I would be watching closely since I also made Cheesy Asparagus to pair with it, so I cooked it on the lower rack. I also made two other varieties of grilled salmon that day.

Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, and then remove for serving. Your cooking time will vary based on your grill temperature.

Where To Buy Cedar Planks for Grilling

• Walmart Cedar Planks
• Amazon Cedar Planks
• Cedar Planks Home Depot

Can Cedar Planks Be Reused

You can scrape off the cedar plank, rinse it, and reuse it. Reusing the plank may not be the best idea if it has been charred heavily. When you rinse, do not use soap.

I have not reused mine before because I worry about mold. If I had another dinner planned the next day with a cedar plank, I would reuse it.

How to Store Leftover Salmon

You can store leftover smoked salmon in a Ziploc bag or air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days after smoking. Smoked Salmon can be frozen for up to three months after being made in the proper container.

Storing leftovers properly requires the right tools! My preferred storage method is if the leftovers can be sealed in a food saver. If not, then an air-tight container or Ziploc bag for the fridge is the way I go. The air-tight container and a freezer Ziploc bag are the next best bet for freezing the leftovers. I also use a food scale to measure portions and divide them into serving sizes.

What To Serve With Cedar Plank Salmon

Smoked Appetizers: Smoked Cream Cheese, Easy Smoked Queso Dip, Easy Smoked Refried Bean Dip

Smoked Side Dishes: Smoked Baked Potatoes, Smoked Green Bean Casserole, Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole, Smoked Baked Potatoes, Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes, Smoked Deviled Eggs, Smoked Loaded Baked Beans, Creamy Smoked Macaroni And Cheese, Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes

Grilled Side Dishes: Cheesy Grilled Asparagus, Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, Grilled Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, Grilled Corn On The Cob

Other Side Dishes: White Rice, Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Crockpot Quinoa, 4 Ingredient Coleslaw

Salmon Recipes

I love to use salmon in main dishes but also the leftovers in other recipes for lunch or appetizers. These are some of my favorite salmon recipes to make, see my collection-> here!

• Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon
• Brown Sugar Salmon Rub
• Salmon Salad
• Smoked Salmon Dip
• Dill Smoked Salmon
• Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank