Cedar Plank Salmon with Citrus Rub
- PREP 30min
- COOK 20min
- TOTAL 50min
Since the salmon cooks slowly, cedar plank salmon is ridiculously tender, moist, and flavorful. We love this sweet citrus rub. It works beautifully with the woodsy cedar smoke the salmon soaks up from the plank below. Hands-on time for this recipe is low, and the extra 30 minutes called for in the prep time are for soaking the cedar plank in water.
You Will Need
1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
1 pound (450g) skin-on salmon, cut into 4 fillets
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 to 4 thyme sprigs, optional
Directions
Prepare the rub: zest the lemon to get about 1 teaspoon of zest, then combine it in a small bowl with brown sugar, salt, and smoked paprika. Set the lemon aside.
Pat your salmon dry and rub the spice mixture all over it. Let the salmon sit with the rub for 15 minutes.
While the salmon marinates, preheat your grill to medium heat.
Once the grill is ready, place your soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates, cover the grill, and let it heat for about 5 minutes or until you can smell the cedar smoking.
Flip the plank over, scatter a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top, and then place the salmon skin-side down on the plank. Close the grill lid and cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135°F, about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness.
While the salmon cooks, cut the lemon in half and place the halves cut-side down on the grill grates. Grill the lemon until it softens and browns slightly. Serve the grilled lemon halves with the cooked salmon.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Grilling with a cedar plank: Check the plank occasionally, if the edges start to catch fire, mist with a little water (or, pour a little out of a glass over the singed area of the plank) and move the plank to a cooler part of the grill with more indirect heat.
- Adapt this recipe for the oven: To bake cedar plank salmon, soak the plank in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare the rub as directed. Rub the salmon with the spice mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes. Place the soaked plank on the oven rack and arrange the salmon on top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. Roast lemon halves alongside the salmon if desired.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.