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Perfect Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Easy Maple Glaze for Impressively Delicious Meals

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A simple yet impressive cedar plank salmon recipe featuring a sweet and tangy maple glaze that infuses the fish with smoky, woodsy flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6-8 ounces / 170-225 grams each)
  • Cedar plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
  • Pure maple syrup (⅓ cup / 80 ml)
  • Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon / 15 ml)
  • Minced garlic (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon / 15 ml)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour (up to 3 hours) to prevent burning.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill over direct heat and close the lid. Heat for 3-5 minutes until it starts to crackle and smoke slightly.
  6. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. Brush a generous layer of the maple glaze over the top of each fillet.
  7. Grill the salmon with the lid closed for about 15-20 minutes, brushing with additional glaze every 5 minutes. Salmon is done when opaque, flakes easily, and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
  8. Carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning. Use a silicone basting brush for even glaze application. Keep grill lid closed to trap smoke and heat. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 125-130°F. Reuse cedar planks 2-3 times if cleaned and soaked properly. For oven cooking, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes on a soaked plank.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, maple glaze, grilled salmon, easy salmon recipe, seafood, healthy dinner, quick salmon, gluten-free salmon