Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb and Lemon Glaze
Salmon grilled on cedar planks infused with a bright herb and lemon glaze, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor flavors. This seafood-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds salmon fillet, tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, tablespoon chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet
- 1 (soaked in water for 1 hour) cedar plank
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Place soaked cedar plank on grill to warm for 3 minutes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until combined.
- Step 3: Place 1.5 pounds salmon fillet skin-side down on the warm cedar plank. Brush the herb and lemon glaze evenly over the salmon.
- Step 4: Close grill lid and cook for 20-25 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is infused with smoky cedar aroma.
- Step 5: Remove salmon from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving directly from the plank or transferring to a platter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb and Lemon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb and Lemon Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds salmon fillet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb and Lemon Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb and Lemon Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb and Lemon Glaze?
Seafood grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Served this at a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe. The cedar plank is a must!
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer. The salmon was perfectly cooked and the glaze complemented it so well.
- ★★★★★
The cedar plank gave the salmon such a wonderful smoky flavor! The herb and lemon glaze was perfect. My family loved it.
