Originally published in 2013, this recipe was updated in October 2026 with refreshed instructions, photos and cooking advice.
Cedar plank salmon is a great way to cook freshly caught salmon on the barbecue. Cooking the fish on a cedar plank adds flavour while helping keep the salmon moist.
If you want to catch your own salmon for this recipe, see the FishinBC.COM Complete Guide to Salmon Fishing.
Cedar Plank Salmon Ingredients
- Salmon fillets, preferably skin-on
- Untreated cedar grilling planks intended for cooking
- Seasonings or toppings of your choice
Suggested flavour combinations:
- Brown sugar and soy sauce
- Brown sugar and mustard
- Fresh dill and green onions
- Butter and garlic
- Sliced red onions and fresh herbs
Preparing the Cedar Plank
Cedar grilling planks can be purchased at grocery stores or barbecue supply shops. Choose untreated cedar planks specifically intended for cooking. Choose a plank large enough to accommodate your salmon fillet without the fish hanging over the edges. For a large fillet, you may need to use two planks.
Before cooking, submerge the plank in water for at least one hour, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Soaking for two hours is a good option if you have the time. A pail or plastic storage bin works well, and you may need to weigh the plank down to keep it underwater. Soaking helps prevent the wood from burning too quickly, but the plank can still char or catch fire, so keep an eye on it while cooking.
Preparing and Seasoning the Salmon
You can prepare cedar plank salmon using fillets or steaks, although fillets are particularly well suited to cedar planking because their size and shape fit nicely on the plank. I recommend leaving the skin on. Trim the fish as needed and use fish bone tweezers to remove any remaining pin bones. If there are loose scales or bits of fish on the surface, wipe them away with a clean paper towel before seasoning.
Place the salmon skin-side down on the cedar plank and add your preferred seasonings. For a teriyaki-style flavour, try brown sugar and soy sauce. Another favourite combination is brown sugar and mustard, which I also use in our Barbecue Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard recipe.
Other good options include fresh dill, chopped green onions, sliced red onions, or butter and garlic. You can keep the seasoning simple and let the cedar complement the natural flavour of the salmon.
Cooking Cedar Plank Salmon on the Barbecue
- Preheat the barbecue to medium heat, approximately 350°F.
- Place the seasoned salmon skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
- Place the plank directly on the barbecue grill and close the lid.
- Cook without flipping the salmon. Start checking after about 12–15 minutes, allowing additional time for thicker fillets.
- Check the thickest part with a digital food thermometer. Health Canada recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F).
A large salmon fillet and its plank can take up much of the barbecue, so indirect heat is optional if you have enough room. Keep an eye on the plank throughout cooking. Some charring underneath is normal, but if the wood starts to burn, reduce the heat or carefully move the plank away from the flames using suitable barbecue tools. Never leave the barbecue unattended while cooking.
Once the salmon is cooked, you can serve it directly on the cedar plank or transfer it to a serving platter. If the plank is heavily charred or smoking, transfer the salmon to a serving plate outside before bringing it into the house.
Allow the used cedar plank to cool completely before disposing of it. I recommend using a fresh plank each time you cook cedar plank salmon.
Cedar planking works well with all five Pacific salmon species. Chinook salmon is rich and often has a higher fat content, while sockeye has a firmer texture and a distinctive salmon flavour. Coho, pink, and chum salmon are also good choices, each with its own flavour and texture.
Whatever species you use, pay attention to the thickness of the fish. Thin fillets will cook faster than thick pieces, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
There are plenty of ways to prepare cedar plank salmon, and sometimes it’s easier to see a technique demonstrated. Here are three YouTube videos showing different approaches to cooking salmon on cedar planks.
Cedar Plank Salmon Recipes
Your Turn: How Do You Make Cedar-Plank Salmon?
Do you have a favourite way to prepare cedar plank salmon? Whether it’s a particular seasoning, glaze, or cooking technique, I’d like to hear what works for you. Share your tips in the comments below.