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Flavorful Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Easy Maple Glaze for BBQ Fans

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A quick and easy cedar plank salmon recipe featuring a sweet and tangy maple glaze, perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings. The cedar plank imparts a smoky aroma that complements the tender, flaky salmon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2-pound / 900g) salmon fillet, skin-on (fresh or thawed)
  • 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free tamari if needed)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Optional garnishes: lemon wedges for serving
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for glaze kick

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning and infuse smoky flavor.
  2. Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess skin or bones if needed. Place skin-side down on a clean plate.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Using a basting brush, generously coat the salmon fillet with the maple glaze, covering every nook and cranny.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered in white ash.
  6. Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates and close the lid for about 3 minutes to warm and start releasing smoke.
  7. Carefully place the glazed salmon skin-side down on the warm cedar plank. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  8. Halfway through cooking, brush the salmon with more glaze for extra flavor and moisture.
  9. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully lift the plank off the grill. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank thoroughly to prevent burning. Use skin-on salmon to keep fish moist and easier to handle. Keep the grill lid closed to trap smoke and maintain temperature. Brush glaze in layers to avoid flare-ups. Rest salmon after cooking for juiciness. If plank flares up, move to cooler part of grill. Can bake salmon on plank at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, maple glaze, grilled salmon, BBQ salmon, easy salmon recipe, summer cookout, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon