Pellet Grill Cedar-Planked Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze
Delicate salmon fillets infused with smoky cedar plank aroma and finished with a sticky maple-mustard glaze for a flavorful dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 110 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar plank, maple syrup 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 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 1, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar plank
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup alder wood pellets
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning. Preheat your pellet grill to 275°F with 1 cup alder wood pellets for a gentle, sweet smoke.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a glaze.
- Step 3: Brush 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with a pinch of black pepper. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill grates and lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on the plank.
- Step 4: Cook the salmon on the plank for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the plank from the grill and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra glaze spooned on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pellet Grill Cedar-Planked Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (70 min prep + 40 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 Pellet Grill Cedar-Planked Salmon with Maple-Mustard 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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pellet Grill Cedar-Planked Salmon with Maple-Mustard 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 Pellet Grill Cedar-Planked Salmon with Maple-Mustard 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 Pellet Grill Cedar-Planked Salmon with Maple-Mustard Glaze?
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.
