Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Charred Lemon
Salmon fillets grilled on cedar planks absorb smoky aromas while a sweet maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, accented by bright charred lemon slices. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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, skin on salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
- 1 plank, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar grilling plank
- 2 lemons, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds lemons
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
- Step 3: Brush each salmon fillet generously with half of the maple glaze mixture. Arrange 2 lemon slices on top of each fillet.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Place cedar plank with salmon on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for 20-25 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and lemon slices have charred edges.
- Step 5: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush remaining maple glaze over the salmon for a glossy finish. Remove plank from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Charred Lemon 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 Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Charred Lemon?
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 pure maple syrup from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Charred Lemon?
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 Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Charred Lemon 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 Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Charred Lemon?
American 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
