This cedar plank salmon recipe is one of the easiest salmon recipes I've made! It gets its sweet and smoky flavor from a delicious grilled salmon rub made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper...

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Cedar Plank Salmon
Another salmon recipe??? Yes! Maybe I'm just making up for lost time, but I'm really enjoying testing out new salmon recipes after finally kicking my anxiety surrounding preparing fresh fish to the curb.
Fish was not something we ate when I was growing up (outside of the occasional fish sticks LOL), so I had exactly zero experience with it. All that to say that, if I can do it, anyone can do it! And easy recipes like this are the best way to get started.
This sweet and smoky grilled cedar plank salmon recipe is BY FAR the easiest salmon recipe I've tried yet. You simply smother fresh salmon fillets in a quick and easy grilled salmon rub, which is just a simple dry rub made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Then you just grill it on a cedar plank and serve... It's super delicious and a great way to impress guests!
Why I Choose Wild Alaskan Salmon
Of course, I recommend starting with Alaskan salmon -- because all Alaska salmon is wild caught, never farmed.
Why is this so important to me? Wild salmon is higher in omega-3s, lower in fat, and contains less toxins than farmed fish. So if I don't see it clearly labeled, I always verify that the salmon at my local grocery stores is Alaska salmon.
Like I did today when I didn't see it in the fresh fish case... Alaska salmon season is winding down, so it's becoming harder to find it on display. But the butcher behind the counter was kind enough to point me in the direction of some bagged frozen Alaskan salmon.
This actually turned out to be really convenient, because the salmon fillets had all of the pin bones already removed. Not a huge deal, but definitely a nice perk!
NOTE: If you're looking for an excellent source for wild Alaskan salmon, I highly recommend ButcherBox's high quality sustainably-harvested wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon!
Sweet & Spicy Brown Sugar Salmon Rub Recipe
Four simple ingredients make up the brown sugar salmon spice rub for this cedar plank salmon: brown sugar for sweetness (obviously!), smoked paprika for a bit of smoky spice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simply stir them together well with a fork, and it's ready to go.
You can even prepare this easy grilled salmon seasoning rub ahead of time to keep it on hand. Just store it in an airtight container. Then give it a shake before using to make sure the ingredients are well-mixed.
P.S. This salmon dry rub is also pretty tasty on grilled chicken thighs and/or pork chops, as well. Grill them right alongside your salmon for non-fish lovers!
How To Cook Cedar Plank Salmon On The Grill
So you don't HAVE to grill this salmon recipe on a cedar plank... But it's certainly a fun and different way to cook fish, as well as being one of the easiest ways to prepare it. My kids were so curious to try it!
Be sure to use an untreated cedar plank for grilling. I've seen them on clearance at almost all of the grocery and hardware stores I've visited lately, so this is the perfect time of year to give it a try for cheap.
It does add a distinct cedar flavor to your salmon, so if you find it's not for you, just use a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil next time and decrease the grilling time slightly.
Want to learn how to cook cedar plank salmon on the grill? There's really just two things you need to know: 1) Be sure to soak your cedar plank in water for at least an hour before grilling to prevent it from going up in flames. And 2) After soaking it, pat it dry, and then brush the side that you're going to place the salmon fillet on with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
BTW, this cedar planked grilled salmon technique will work on both a gas grill or a charcoal grill. Both will produce delicious salmon that's perfectly cooked. This really is the best salmon recipe for the summer months!
AND it will even work in the oven if you want to make baked cedar plank salmon during the colder winter months. Check the notes in the recipe card for instructions on how to make cedar plank salmon in the oven.
How Long To Grill Salmon On Cedar Plank?
Lay each of your salmon fillets skin side down on the oiled face of a soaked plank. Brush the fillets with olive oil and press the brown sugar salmon rub all over the top. Lay the cedar planks directly on the hot grill grates. Cover grill and cook over indirect medium-high heat for about 15 minutes.
Salmon cooks quickly, so check frequently to see if it's cooked through and flakes easily as you get close to the 15-minute mark. If you prefer to use the internal temperature as your guide, salmon is cooked through when it reaches 145 degrees internally in the thickest part of the fish.
When it's done, you can serve this flaky salmon right on the cedar plank or transfer it to a platter! A few lemon slices on the side are always a nice touch.
Sweet & Smoky Brown Sugar Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 (2-pound) Alaska salmon whole fillet or 8 (6-ounce) Alaska salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the brown sugar salmon rub:
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Depending on the size of your salmon fillets, soak one or two cedar planks for grilling in water for one hour. Pat the soaked cedar plank dry with a paper towel, and brush one side with olive oil.
- Place salmon skin side down on the oiled face of the cedar planks and brush each with olive oil. Press the grilled salmon rub all over the top of the salmon.
- Place cedar planks directly on the hot grill grates. Cover grill and cook over medium-high indirect heat for 15-20 minutes. I recommend keeping a small spray bottle of cold water close by, just in case there are any flare-ups. The salmon is done when it's cooked through, flakes easily, and reaches 145 degrees internally in the thickest part of the fish.
- Serve warm on the cedar plank or cut into desired portions.
Recipe Notes
Baked Cedar Plank Salmon
Yes, you can bake salmon on a cedar plank in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Follow the above instructions through Step 3. Bake the salmon at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. It's done when it's cooked through, flakes easily, and reaches 145 degrees internally in the thickest part of the fish.Recommended Products
Can You Reuse Cedar Planks?
Some of you have wondered if you can reuse cedar planks... Used cedar planks can be reused indefinitely, as long as they're still in good condition without a lot of char.
Some additional tips for reusing them:
- Rinse the used cedar planks well with hot water, and dry them thoroughly.
- Store the used planks in the freezer between uses.
- For best flavor, be sure to use the same planks for the same type of protein or veggies each time. Using them for the same recipe is even better, because they will hold on to those flavors and seasonings.
When the cedar planks become thoroughly charred, toss them and begin using a new plank!
More Easy Salmon Recipes To Try
Looking to add more salmon recipes to your menu? Here are a couple more equally delicious and easy options!
- Lemony Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon In Foil Packets With Green Beans -- This simple grilled salmon in foil recipe is packed with lemony garlic butter flavor! Adding green beans to the foil packet means you have have a healthy protein and side dish on the table in under 30 minutes...
- Parsley & Garlic-Rubbed Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus And Potatoes -- This parsley and garlic-rubbed oven baked salmon recipe is sure to become your new favorite... Makes a main dish + 2 sides with just one pan to clean up!
I'd love to see how your cedar plank salmon turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Angela says
We bbq'd the salmon with the cedar plank and used the rub. It was the best salmon we ever had, and we've eaten salmon many times. I highly, highly recommend this recipe for salmon lovers.
Angela says
This is by far the tastiest salmon recipe I've ever had pleasure of both making and eating. I made extra rub just to make sure it is enough. Unbelievable great flavour.
Erick Mitchell says
Quick question on the application of the rub, are you just putting the rub on the side of the salmon with the flesh exposed? I was reading the directions, and it seems as if the skin side that is contact with the plank does not receive any rub.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, place the salmon skin side down on the oiled cedar plank. Brush the exposed flesh side with olive oil, and then press the rub into the flesh side. Enjoy!
Kurt says
Sweet & Smoky Brown Sugar Salmon
Kurt says
Made this tonight on a charcoal Weber. Our adult son is visiting, and when he took a bite, he gasped with delight. It was simply outstanding and has made it into the rotation as "the best salmon I've ever had," or "you could sell that in a restaurant for $50." Easy and very tasty. I'm going to need more cedar planks. Thank you for sharing!
Tara Kuczykowski says
I love hearing this -- thank you so much!
Em says
Looking to try this recipe this weekend. Have you tried it with lemon slices on top or have salmon sitting on top of lemon slices on plank? Wondering if it was any good
Tara Kuczykowski says
I have not tried that, but lemon always pairs nicely with salmon!
Diane says
This was so tasty! Loved the combination of sweet and smoky flavors!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So glad you loved it, Diane! Such and easy and tasty way to prepare salmon.
Maggie says
We LOVE this recipe! This is a regular in our house during the summer since I found your recipe about 2 years ago. Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy to hear this, Maggie!!
Brenda Kirsch says
Both my husband and I LOVED it!
Debbie says
Can you reuse the cedar plank?
Tara Kuczykowski says
You sure can, Debbie! They can be reused until they become too burnt or crack.
Meg Stewart says
I burned my plank pretty good and kept spraying flames with water - I did soak for about 1 hour and 15 minutes - but let me tell you … the flavor is fantastical!
My nephew who eats very few things in this world - ATE this salmon. He loved it as much as my 5 & 10 year old did!
Excellent recipe
Tara Kuczykowski says
Love to hear this, Meg! (Well, not the burning part, LOL.) So glad you all loved it!!
Mae says
Tried it and it was just delicious! Thank you for such a nice recipe!
Tara Kuczykowski says
You're so welcome, Mae! Glad you enjoyed it.
Donna says
This was a big hit. Everyone loved it. It is one of my favorite recipes. First time I cooked using a plank. Turned out great.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy you loved it, Donna. Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know!!
Sally says
Hi there....I wanted to cook it in the oven...any idea on time wise and temperature?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Sally! Yes, you can bake salmon on a cedar plank in the oven. Set the oven to 400 degrees, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
Donna King says
I have made this recipe plenty of times and it has always been a big hit. I love it.
Kara says
This is probably a dumb question, but do you close the grill?
Thanks!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Not dumb at all! Yes, you should close the grill. Hope you love it!
Erica says
Love this and can’t wait to try this weekend!!
Do I flip the salmon over 1/2 way or grill on the same side the entire time?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Erica! No, I don't flip it when I make this. Just leave the skin side down for the duration. Enjoy!
Aimee Shugarman says
This was a delicious dinner!
Cheryl S says
I have some cedar planks and we love salmon!! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Alli says
These flavors go so well with one another. Seriously addicting.
Kimberly says
So easy to make and absolutely mouthwatering!
Jessica Burgess says
Now THIS is a salmon recipe that is a MUST. Oh my goodness, amazing!
Linda says
Salmon is my all time favorite fish and we love grilling it in our house. I've even got some cedar planks on hand to try your version out. Love the sweeter brown sugar rub and it's always a nice flavor addition to grill on a plank. Can't wait to try it.
Krystle says
We love eating this on Fridays during Lent. Cedar adds such a unique flavor, highly recommend!
ali randall says
This looks amazing and I have a full salmon filet I want to make and just needed the right recipe. Found it! Can't wait for dinner :)
Kelly Anthony says
The combination of spices and brown sugar for the salmon sounds so good and I can't wait to make this for my family. They are going to love it.
Alisa Infanti says
I find it hysterical that you have a fishmonger but since you do you must know something about fish so definitely going to follow your lead and give this recipe a whirl.
Tara Kuczykowski says
LOL, I guess he probably wouldn't be considered a "fishmonger" in the traditional sense, but it sounds better than "the dude behind the counter at Meijer who specializes in their fresh fish offerings". :)
Valentina says
That is one delicious looking rub! We all love salmon in my house and this might just take it to another level. Beautiful photos too!
Rae says
This salmon recipe is right up my alley. The combination of sweet and smoky with the cedar plank is a great way to get non-salmon eaters to actually eat and enjoy salmon.