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Perfect Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Recipe with Lemon Herb Butter

cedar plank grilled salmon - featured image

A simple and flavorful grilled salmon recipe using a cedar plank and topped with a luscious lemon herb butter. Perfect for quick, fuss-free meals with a smoky, fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, 6 ounces (170g) each, fresh and preferably wild-caught
  • 1 untreated cedar plank, 12 inches (30cm), soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste (preferably flaky sea salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 60 minutes, keeping it submerged with a heavy plate or can.
  2. Combine softened butter, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, and thyme in a bowl. Mix until smooth and refrigerate if preparing ahead.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Preheat grill to indirect medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). For charcoal, bank coals to one side; for gas, turn off one burner to create a cooler zone.
  5. Place soaked cedar plank on grill grates over indirect heat and close lid for 3-5 minutes until it starts to smoke gently.
  6. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the plank. Spread a generous dollop of lemon herb butter on each fillet.
  7. Grill with lid closed for 15-20 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
  8. Carefully remove plank with tongs and transfer salmon to plates. Spoon any melted lemon herb butter over the top. Finish with flaky sea salt and extra lemon if desired.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and create a steaming effect. Use indirect heat to avoid flare-ups. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 125-130°F. If plank chars too much, move to cooler part of grill or spritz with water. Butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, grilled salmon, lemon herb butter, easy salmon recipe, smoky salmon, barbecue salmon, healthy salmon recipe