Cedar-Plank Salmon with Maple Glaze

Salmon roasted on a smoldering cedar plank — the wood smokes and infuses the fish with aromatic cedar flavor while protecting it from direct heat.

Ingredients

• 1 cedar grilling plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
• 1.5 lb salmon fillet, skin-on, pin bones removed
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges and fresh dill for serving

Method

1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour (weigh it down so it stays submerged). This prevents it from catching fire on the grill.

2. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and smoked paprika. This is the glaze.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F). Place the soaked plank on the grill and close the lid for 3 minutes until the plank starts to smoke and crackle.

4. Place salmon skin-side down on the plank. Brush generously with the maple glaze. Close the lid.

5. Grill for 12-15 minutes without flipping. Brush with more glaze halfway through. The salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches 130-135°F internal.

6. Carefully remove the plank (with salmon on it) from the grill. The plank becomes your serving board. Garnish with dill and lemon wedges.

What You're Practicing

What You're Practicing

Plank cooking: The cedar plank serves as both a cooking vessel and a smoke source. As the bottom of the plank smolders, it produces aromatic smoke that infuses the salmon from below. The plank also insulates the fish from direct heat, making it nearly impossible to overcook — the fish cooks gently in the smoke rather than over flame.

Glazing technique: The maple-soy-mustard glaze caramelizes in the heat, creating a lacquered surface. Brushing it on halfway through (rather than at the start) prevents it from burning before the fish is cooked. The sugar in maple syrup browns quickly — watch for charring.

Wood smoke pairing: Cedar is the classic pairing for salmon because its resinous, aromatic smoke complements the fish's natural oils. Other planks work too — alder (milder, Pacific Northwest tradition), maple (sweet, subtle), and cherry (fruity). Never use treated lumber or softwoods like pine — they contain toxic resins.