Sweet & Smoky Brown Sugar Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

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 Recipe

Another salmon recipe??? Yes! Maybe I’m just making up for lost time, but I’m really enjoying testing out new fresh salmon recipes after finally getting out of my comfort zone in the kitchen.

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 made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Then grill it on a cedar plank and serve. It’s delicious and sure to impress guests!

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Of course, I recommend starting with Alaska salmon — because all Alaska salmon is wild caught, never farmed. Why is this so important to me? Wild-caught salmon is higher in omega-3s, lower in fat, and contains less toxins than farmed fish. So I always #AskForAlaska at the grocery store if I don’t see it clearly labeled.

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 my fishmonger was kind enough to point me in the direction of some bagged frozen Alaska Salmon, which actually turned out to be even more convenient because it had all of the pin bones already removed. Not a huge deal, but definitely a nice perk!

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. My kids were so curious!

It does add a distinct cedar-y flavor to your salmon, so this is the perfect time of year to try it. I’ve seen cedar planks for grilling on clearance at nearly every store I’ve visited lately, so pick them up for cheap and give it a try. If 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, wipe it down, and then brush the side that you’re going to place the salmon on with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

Cedar Plank Salmon Brown Sugar Rub

Four simple ingredients make up this brown sugar cedar plank salmon rub: 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.

P.S. This grilled salmon rub is pretty tasty on grilled chicken thighs, as well. Grill them right alongside your salmon for non-fish lovers!

How Long To Grill Salmon On Cedar Plank?

Lay your salmon fillet(s) skin side down on the oiled face of the cedar plank. Brush the fillet(s) with olive oil and press the brown sugar salmon rub all over the top. Lay the plank directly on the grill, and cook over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Serve it right on the cedar plank or transfer to a platter!

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Sweet & Smoky Brown Sugar Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

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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Ingredients

• 1.5-lb. Alaska salmon fillet or 4 (6-oz.) Alaska salmon fillets
• 1-2 cedar grilling planks, soaked in water for 1 hour
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Brown Sugar Salmon Rub

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Depending on the size of your salmon fillet(s), soak one or two cedar planks for grilling in water for one hour. Dry the plank(s) with a paper towel, and brush one side with olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the brown sugar salmon rub by combining the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper with a fork.
3. Lay the salmon fillet(s) on the oiled face of the cedar plank(s) and brush them with olive oil. Press the grilled salmon rub all over the salmon.
4. Place the cedar plank(s) directly on a hot grill, and cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
5. Serve warm on the cedar plank or cut into desired portions.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon.com Services LLC Associates and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Simply Organic Smoked Paprika
• 
  Wild-Caught Alaska Salmon
• 
  Cedar Grilling Planks

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1 (6-oz.) fillet
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340Total Fat: 14.7gSaturated Fat: 2.2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 113.9mgSodium: 386.7mgCarbohydrates: 6.8gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 6.1gProtein: 43.6g

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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!