Print

Perfect Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Garlic Dill Butter

grilled cedar plank salmon - featured image

A simple and flavorful grilled salmon recipe using a cedar plank to infuse smoky aroma, topped with a luscious garlic dill butter. Perfect for easy summer BBQs and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
  • 1 large cedar plank (about 12 x 7 inches), soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C).
  5. Place the soaked cedar plank directly over the heat and let it warm for 3-5 minutes until it starts to crackle and smoke lightly.
  6. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the cedar plank. Dollop half of the garlic dill butter over each fillet.
  7. Close the grill lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Avoid flipping.
  8. Check for doneness: salmon should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C).
  9. Carefully transfer the cedar plank with salmon to a heat-safe surface. Add remaining garlic dill butter on top while still hot. Garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent flare-ups. Preheat the plank before placing salmon to release smoky aroma. Avoid flipping the salmon to keep it intact. Rest salmon a few minutes after grilling for juicier results. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, cedar plank salmon, garlic dill butter, summer BBQ, easy salmon recipe, smoky salmon, healthy seafood