Grilled Cedar-Plank Lake Fish with Herb Butter
Fresh lake fish grilled on a cedar plank, topped with a fragrant herb butter that enhances its natural flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) fresh lake fish fillets (such as walleye or trout)
- 1 large, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar plank
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Pat dry 4 lake fish fillets (6 oz each) and lightly brush both sides with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until well combined; season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill and heat for 3-5 minutes until it starts to smoke and crackle.
- Step 4: Lay the fish fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank, then evenly spread the herb butter mixture over the top of each fillet.
- Step 5: Close the grill lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, basting occasionally with the melted butter.
- Step 6: Remove the plank from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving, allowing the smoky aroma to infuse the fish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cedar-Plank Lake Fish with Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Cedar-Plank Lake Fish with Herb Butter?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cedar-Plank Lake Fish with Herb Butter?
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 Grilled Cedar-Plank Lake Fish with Herb Butter 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 Grilled Cedar-Plank Lake Fish with Herb Butter?
American seafood 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party. The fish was moist and the cedar aroma was divine.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a summer dinner. The herb butter complemented the fish beautifully.
- ★★★★★
The cedar plank gave such a lovely smoky flavor to the fish! My family loved it, especially the herb butter.
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