This cedar plank salmon is grilled to deliver a gorgeous smoky-sweet flavor. Serve with sesame asparagus for a complete, unforgettable meal.
This cedar plank salmon has quickly become a favorite dinner in our house.
Oh my word.
This may be the best salmon recipe I’ve ever made. I cook salmon a lot, but this version is something else — tender, flaky and layered with flavor.
I’ll explain everything you need to know to make it perfect.
Grilling on cedar planks is one of my favorite techniques. The cedar adds a delicate wood-smoke aroma that pairs beautifully with salmon.
Cedar planks are easy to find at many grocery and hardware stores, and you can keep a few on hand for quick weeknight grilling. The only important step is to soak them before use so they don’t catch fire. I usually soak mine for 30–60 minutes — some people soak longer, but this amount of time works well and still gives you the cedar flavor without a flare-up.
Reliable results every time
For the salmon topping I brush the fillets with Dijon mustard, then coat them with a smoky-sweet spice mix. My go-to combination is smoked paprika, garlic powder and brown sugar, plus salt and pepper. The mustard helps the spices adhere and adds a tangy contrast that complements the sweet and smoky notes.
This spice mix is versatile and works well on many proteins, but it’s especially delicious on salmon grilled on cedar. As the fish cooks, the spices form a soft crust while the cedar infuses a subtle smoke aroma.
You end up with salmon that’s flaky, buttery and full of balanced flavor. I like to finish with fresh chives for color and a bright oniony note. This salmon is great served hot right off the grill, or cold the next day — it holds up beautifully and tastes excellent either way.
Incredible pairing
One of my favorite sides to serve with this salmon is grilled sesame asparagus. A little toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper are all you need. Grill the spears until nicely charred, then finish with toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a nutty flavor.
Asparagus cooks quickly, so you can grill it alongside the salmon. Leftovers are delicious chilled in salads, tossed into grain bowls, or scrambled into an omelet.
Together, the cedar plank salmon and sesame asparagus make a simple, elegant meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
This combination is a dependable weeknight winner and also impressive enough for guests.
Smoky Sweet Cedar Plank Salmon
Smoky Sweet Cedar Plank Salmon with Sesame Asparagus
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Ingredients
salmon
- 2 cedar planks, soaked for 30 to 60 minutes
- 1.5 to 2 pounds fresh salmon
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- fresh chives, for topping
asparagus
- 2 pounds asparagus spears, woody stems removed
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- kosher salt and pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
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Soak the cedar planks in water for 30 to 60 minutes. You can soak longer if you prefer, but be sure they’re thoroughly soaked before placing salmon on top.
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Preheat your grill to high.
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Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and trim if necessary so they fit on the planks. Brush the tops with Dijon mustard. In a bowl, whisk brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Evenly sprinkle the spice mix over the mustard-coated salmon, then place the fillets on the soaked cedar planks.
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Toss asparagus with toasted sesame oil, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and the garlic powder.
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Reduce grill heat to medium-high. Place the cedar planks on the grill and close the lid. Grill the salmon 15–18 minutes, until opaque and flaky when tested with a fork.
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If there’s space, add the asparagus to the grill when the salmon has 6–8 minutes remaining. Grill the spears 6–8 minutes, turning once or twice, until charred. Very thin asparagus may only need 3–5 minutes.
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Carefully remove the cedar planks with tongs and transfer them to a baking sheet. Remove asparagus to a serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Garnish the salmon with chopped chives.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
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Best meal ever.