Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar plank salmon is giving log cabin rustic charm all summer long! This recipe for a herby, mayo-smothered and forest-infused whole side of salmon is only 10 minutes to prepare and then pure hands-free grill time, meaning you can sit back and relax in one of those high-backed Adirondack chairs. 

And here’s a just-in-case recipe for some crowd-pleasing homemade burgers for the guests you accidentally invited that don’t eat fish. 

The West coast of Canada is famous for both cedar plank cooking and its Pacific salmon, the two key components inspiring this dreamy, but low-key recipe. In just a few weeks, I’ll be back there and have all these local ingredients at my fingertips.  I am already salivating at the thought! 

Memories of outdoor cooking with friends are some of my most cherished from our time in British Columbia, and as well as recipes like this one, I plan to recreate, or I should say create, more. 

The first thing I’m going to do on arrival is get my hands on a juicy, freshly caught, bright red side of Sockeye, a This is an affiliate link.wood plank, and fire up the grill. Followed by a well-earned dip in the lake.

Keep an eye on my Insta for the evidence!

Grilled salmon on cedar plank

Grilling salmon on a plank of wood might sound gimmicky or fussy, but it is far from it. Once you’ve sourced your plank, and soaked it, the process is no different from cooking on an oven tray but it yields huge payoffs in both flavour and good impressions!

In actual fact, this is a traditional method of cooking fish developed by Native Americans and First Nations populations, who would cook freshly-caught fish over open fires. The cedar plank had a few built-in functions that still serve today:

1. its tray shape prevents the fish from falling into the fire, or today, between the grill grates!
2. the indirect heat does not dry the fish, it helps to maintain more of its natural moisture.
3. the delicate salmon is infused with a forest flavour that is piney woodsmoke, and these days, unusual.

This is an affiliate link.Cedar planks are readily available where salmon-fishing is popular, for example; Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and Sweden. They can be found in larger supermarkets or high-end grocery stores. In the UK, you can try specialist barbecue shops or just search online.  

Serving suggestions

Cedar plank salmon is super versatile- it makes a beaut barbecue dish for those laidback and balmy summer evenings outside, and it’s a cosy dinner party winner any time of the year. And obviously, having two very different dining options doubles the sides selection! Yippee!

Let’s start with outdoor, and presumably you’re cooking this salmon on the grill- so all the salads! 

If you’re a dill lover, like me, dill potato salad will make use of the bunch you’ve bought already for the salmon. If you’re less keen, German two potato salad with bacon and chive vinaigrette is salty and pickley which will complement the smokiness of the barbecue salmon.

Both potato salads will work well with a get-ahead beet sauerkraut or a simple green garden salad. 

If you’re planning to oven bake your cedar plank salmon and serve it inside, you can, of course, choose any of the previously mentioned salads or go warm. 

Hasselback potatoes with gremolata are a visual treat, or Parmesan crusted potatoes are temptingly crispy and golden, not to mention delicious dipped in the Dijon mustard mayo! Serving with low maintenance greens like lemony tenderstem broccoli or roasted asparagus with radish means less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.

Storage and leftovers

Leftover grilled salmon will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Be sure the forest-fragrant fish is sealed tightly in its container to prevent permeation of other fridge foods. 

I am a huge believer in repurposing leftover salmon. This Dijon mustard salmon can be served up again on a slice of toasted rye for a simple stay-at-home lunch, flaked over a Cobb salad for a dose of bonus protein, or just .spoil yourself with a luxurious hot and cheesy salmon sandwich.

More fish recipes to try

• Lemon Butter Cod
• Blackened Fish Tacos
• Salmon Cakes with Chive and Garlic Sauce
• Teriyaki Salmon with Bok Choy One Pan Dinner