Irresistible Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Fresh Herbs Easy and Perfect
This cedar plank salmon recipe combines smoky cedar wood aroma with fresh herbs for a tender, flavorful fish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for grilling or broiling, it’s a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for weeknights or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (6-8 oz / 170-225 g each, skin on)
- Cedar plank (untreated, soaked for at least 1 hour)
- Fresh herbs – dill, parsley, and thyme (about 2 tablespoons each, chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, extra virgin preferred)
- Lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon, fresh-squeezed)
- Salt (to taste, kosher salt preferred)
- Freshly ground black pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Optional: honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 60 minutes before cooking. Optionally add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the soaking water.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, thyme, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional honey or maple syrup to create the herb marinade.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush or spoon the herb marinade evenly over the top and sides of each fillet. Let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C) or preheat oven broiler on high with rack about 6 inches from heat source.
- Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill or in the oven and warm for 3-5 minutes until fragrant smoke or steam appears.
- Lay salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. Close grill lid or oven door and cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily and reaches internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the cedar plank with salmon using tongs or spatula. Let salmon rest on the plank for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Soak cedar plank for at least 60 minutes to prevent burning and create smoky steam. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking salmon. Let salmon rest on plank after cooking to keep moist. Cedar planks can be reused 2-3 times if cleaned gently and soaked before each use. If plank chars or catches fire, move to cooler part of grill or flip briefly. For oven cooking, watch plank closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6-8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 34
Keywords: cedar plank salmon, grilled salmon, fresh herbs, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, smoky salmon, herb marinade, quick dinner