Cedar-Planked Salmon with Pawpaw Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Wild-caught salmon grilled on cedar planks with a sweet-tart glaze made from Oklahoma's native pawpaw fruit. This pacific northwest-inspired grilling (gluten-free) ready in about 54 minutes pairs salmon fillets, pawpaw puree, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Pacific Northwest cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp pawpaw puree, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place soaked cedar planks on the grill grate and close the lid for 5 minutes to heat. Place salmon skin-side down on the planks and brush with 2 tbsp of the pawpaw glaze.
  4. Step 4: Grill covered for 12-14 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze every 5 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh dill and serve directly from the plank.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cedar-Planked Salmon with Pawpaw Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 54 minutes (40 min prep + 14 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-Planked Salmon with Pawpaw Glaze?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cedar-Planked Salmon with Pawpaw 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-Planked Salmon with Pawpaw 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.

Is Cedar-Planked Salmon with Pawpaw Glaze gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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