Grilled Pacific Northwest Salmon with Cedar-Infused Herb Butter

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

A flavorful grilled salmon dish inspired by West Seattle’s coastal vibe, featuring cedar-smoked notes and fresh herbs in a rich butter sauce. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, unsalted butter, fresh dill 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Brush 4 salmon fillets with 1 tbsp olive oil and season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook gently for 2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill grates and heat for 3 minutes until it begins to smoke. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on the plank, close the grill lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from the grill and spoon the warm herb butter over each fillet before serving, allowing the smoky, buttery flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pacific Northwest Salmon with Cedar-Infused Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pacific Northwest Salmon with Cedar-Infused Herb Butter?

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 Grilled Pacific Northwest Salmon with Cedar-Infused 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 Pacific Northwest Salmon with Cedar-Infused 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 Pacific Northwest Salmon with Cedar-Infused Herb Butter?

American comfort food 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.

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