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Easy Flavorful Sheet Pan Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe for Perfect Dinner

cedar plank salmon - featured image

An easy and flavorful cedar plank salmon recipe using a sheet pan method that delivers a smoky, moist, and delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on, preferably wild-caught
  • 1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (can substitute with honey)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste (about ½ teaspoon kosher salt recommended)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
  • Fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped finely, optional

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and add smoky aroma during baking.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly thick.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank, spacing them evenly.
  6. Using a silicone brush, generously coat the salmon fillets with the prepared glaze.
  7. Place the cedar plank on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  8. Check for doneness by looking for opaque pink flesh and slightly caramelized glaze; if glaze darkens too much, cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
  9. Remove the plank from the oven and let the salmon rest for 3–5 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top for garnish.
  11. Serve the salmon directly on the cedar plank with your favorite sides.

Notes

Always soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning. Pat salmon dry before glazing to ensure the glaze sticks well. Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips and keep the oven clean. Check salmon at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking. For extra smoky flavor, briefly broil for 1–2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. Leftover salmon keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, sheet pan salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, maple glaze salmon, healthy salmon, baked salmon, smoky salmon