Northwest Style Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Glaze

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

Salmon grilled on a cedar plank infused with a sweet and tangy maple glaze, offering a smoky and tender texture inspired by the Pacific Northwest. This north american-inspired seafood ready in about 85 minutes pairs 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.

Prep: 65 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 North American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 cedar grilling plank in water for at least 1 hour before cooking to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the glaze.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with skin on and brush both sides generously with the maple glaze.
  4. Step 4: Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill and close the lid for 3 minutes to preheat the plank until it starts to smoke lightly.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank and close the grill lid. Grill for 15-20 minutes, basting once halfway through with remaining glaze, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Northwest Style Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (65 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 Northwest Style Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple 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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Northwest Style Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple 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 Northwest Style Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple 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 Northwest Style Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple Glaze?

North 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.