Smoked Cedar-Planked Whitefish with Juniper Berry Rub
A rustic smoked whitefish dish infused with aromatic juniper berries and cedar plank smokiness, inspired by traditional Manitoulin Island flavors. This canadian-inspired seafood ready in about 65 minutes pairs fillets (5 oz each) whitefish fillets, crushed juniper berries, sea salt 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 (5 oz each) whitefish fillets
- 1 tbsp, crushed juniper berries
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp, crushed black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (soaked in water for 2 hours) cedar plank
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F. While it heats, combine 1 tbsp crushed juniper berries, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp crushed black peppercorns in a small bowl.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 whitefish fillets (5 oz each) and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the juniper berry rub evenly over both sides.
- Step 3: Brush 1 tbsp maple syrup lightly over the fillets to add a subtle sweetness.
- Step 4: Remove the cedar plank from water and place it on the smoker grate. Place the seasoned fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank.
- Step 5: Smoke the fish for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the flesh flakes easily.
- Step 6: Remove from smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the cedar aroma to infuse the fish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Cedar-Planked Whitefish with Juniper Berry Rub take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Smoked Cedar-Planked Whitefish with Juniper Berry Rub?
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 crushed juniper berries from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Cedar-Planked Whitefish with Juniper Berry Rub?
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 Smoked Cedar-Planked Whitefish with Juniper Berry Rub 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 Smoked Cedar-Planked Whitefish with Juniper Berry Rub?
Canadian 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.
