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Perfect Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Recipe with Smoky Honey Soy Glaze

cedar plank grilled salmon - featured image

A quick and easy cedar plank grilled salmon recipe featuring a smoky honey soy glaze that delivers tender, flaky fish with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), fresh or thawed, wild-caught
  • 1 untreated cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 3 tablespoons honey (local clover honey preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Green onions or chives, finely sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and to infuse smoky flavor.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and glossy.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). For charcoal grills, bank coals to one side for indirect heat.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and lightly season with freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Using a basting brush, generously coat the top and sides of each salmon fillet with the smoky honey soy glaze.
  6. Place the soaked cedar plank directly over the heat source on the grill and close the lid for 3-5 minutes until it starts to crackle and smoke.
  7. Carefully place the glazed salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  9. Remove the cedar plank with salmon from the grill using tongs or a spatula and let rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Garnish with sliced green onions or chives and serve directly on the plank.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and enhance smoky flavor. Avoid lifting the grill lid frequently to keep heat and smoke trapped. Use skin-on salmon to prevent sticking and keep fish moist. For a thicker glaze, reserve some to brush on during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If flare-ups occur, move the plank to indirect heat and close the lid. Soaking the plank overnight intensifies the smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, grilled salmon, honey soy glaze, smoky salmon, BBQ salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon