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Savory Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

cedar plank salmon - featured image

This savory cedar plank salmon features a sweet-savory brown sugar glaze and smoky flavor from cooking on a cedar plank. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for impressing guests with tender, flavorful salmon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170 g) each, preferably wild-caught
  • 1 untreated cedar plank, 12 inches (30 cm), soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
  3. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C) or oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Remove cedar plank from water and pat dry. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the plank, leaving space between each fillet.
  6. Brush the brown sugar glaze generously over the top of each fillet.
  7. Place the plank on the grill grates or in the oven. Cover grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If using oven, check after 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  8. Carefully remove the plank and let salmon rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning. Use a thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature for perfect doneness. Spread glaze evenly and not too thick to avoid excessive caramelization. Let salmon rest after cooking to retain juices. If no grill is available, oven cooking at 375°F for about 20 minutes works well with milder smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, brown sugar glaze, grilled salmon, easy salmon recipe, smoky salmon, healthy seafood, weeknight dinner