This cedar plank salmon recipe is the ultimate way to prepare salmon on the barbecue. It’s cooked low and slow, resulting in fish that’s moist, smoky, and full of flavor. I top it with an avocado peach salsa for an easy summer meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes!
If you love salmon that’s moist, tender, and full of flavor, cedar-planked grilled salmon is hard to beat. Cooking the fish on a cedar plank gently infuses it with subtle smoky flavor, and when it’s topped with a fresh avocado-peach salsa, the whole dish screams summer.
Tip: If you don’t have any avocados on hand, make my peach and pepper salsa instead.
If this is your first time using a cedar plank, you’ll be surprised by how simple it is. Just soak the plank in water, place the seasoned salmon on top, and cook it over low heat. The slow, gentle grilling keeps the fish juicy and perfectly cooked every time.
This versatile, crowd-pleasing salmon recipe pairs well with simple grilled sides such as grilled mini peppers , grilled corn on the cob , and g rilled potato salad with scallion pesto . It’s my go-to way to grill salmon in the summer—easy, impressive, and endlessly delicious.
Why use cedar planks to grill salmon
Cedar-plank cooking is an indirect barbecue method used primarily for fish and meat. It’s a traditional cooking method used by several cultures, including the Coast Salish, to prepare Pacific salmon.
Planks can be placed directly over an open flame, and food becomes infused with both moisture and a wonderful smoky flavor. Using a plank prevents the fish from sticking to the grill, resulting in consistently juicy fish.
Tips for cooking with cedar planks
Using cedar planks to cook salmon is simple, and such a treat! Here are some useful tips for making the best cedar plank salmon every time:
Make sure to soak the planks for a minimum of 5 minutes, and a maximum of 2 hours. It helps prevent the wood from burning and keeps the fish moist.
When soaking the planks, weigh them down so they are fully immersed in water. Use cans, water glasses, or other heavy kitchen objects.
When cooked on a plank, the salmon filet shouldn’t stick (unlike cooking it directly on the grill). To remove the salmon from the plank, use a good flipper to get right under the filet.
Can I reuse cedar planks? No, we don’t recommend reusing cedar planks. Once they’re used, they should be discarded.
Can I cook other fish on cedar planks? Sure! Other fish, such as trout, char, and bass, are well-suited to cooking on cedar planks because of their size, flavor, and texture.
Where do I buy cedar planks? You can find cedar planks at most well-stocked grocery stores, usually near the seafood department, or at food supply stores. They’re also available in a larger pack online .
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Avocado Peach Salsa
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1 – 1 ½ lb salmon fillet (preferably with the skin removed)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
- ▢ ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sea salt, and pepper
Avocado Peach Salsa
- ▢ 3 medium peaches (diced)
- ▢ 1 avocado (diced)
- ▢ ½ red bell pepper (diced)
- ▢ ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ▢ ½ cup minced cilantro
- ▢ Juice from 1 lime
- ▢ 1 minced jalapeño (optional)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper (more to taste)
Instructions
- Soak your cedar plank in water for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- While the cedar plank is soaking, make the salsa. Mix all the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. 3 medium peaches, 1 avocado, ½ red bell pepper, ⅓ cup diced red onion, ½ cup minced cilantro, Juice from 1 lime, 1 minced jalapeño, ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- Turn on your BBQ to medium-low heat. Place the salmon on the cedar plank and drizzle the top with the oil. Sprinkle the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. 1 – 1 ½ lb salmon fillet, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sea salt, and pepper
- Put the salmon on your barbecue and turn it to low heat. Close the lid and cook the salmon for 20 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve the salmon with the salsa over the top.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Avocado Peach Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 ½ lb salmon fillet , preferably with the skin removed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sea salt, and pepper
Avocado Peach Salsa
- 3 medium peaches , diced
- 1 avocado , diced
- ½ red bell pepper , diced
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup minced cilantro
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 minced jalapeño , optional
- ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper , more to taste
Instructions
- Soak your cedar plank in water for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- While the cedar plank is soaking, make the salsa. Mix all the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. 3 medium peaches, 1 avocado, ½ red bell pepper, ⅓ cup diced red onion, ½ cup minced cilantro, Juice from 1 lime, 1 minced jalapeño, ½ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- Turn on your BBQ to medium-low heat. Place the salmon on the cedar plank and drizzle the top with the oil. Sprinkle the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. 1 - 1 ½ lb salmon fillet, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sea salt, and pepper
- Put the salmon on your barbecue and turn it to low heat. Close the lid and cook the salmon for 20 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve the salmon with the salsa over the top.
