Cedar plank salmon is one of those recipes that looks and sounds impressive but is actually so easy to make at home! The salmon is cooked on a sake-soaked cedar plank over an open fire, which gives it a wonderful smoky flavor. Pair that with a blackberry-chipotle glaze that gives it a sweet and spicy taste, and you have a fantastic cedar plank salmon recipe for those warm summer nights!
Update: This recipe for cedar plank salmon was originally published in July 2016. I made updates to the post below to include more information about how to make a perfectly moist, glazed salmon on the grill.
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About this cedar plank salmon recipe
Hi friends! Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather. We have been enjoying using the grill at night, and we have been making some yummy recipes! Everything from grilled chicken with corn salsa to grilled peach salad with burrata. We tried this grilled corn and topped it off with avocado sriracha butter– the fam is already begging me to make it again!
For tonight’s outdoor grill recipe, I thought it would be fun to show you how I like to cook salmon. This recipe is one of our favorites because it’s easy to make and always turns out perfectly moist and flaky. It’s all thanks to the cedar plank!
No more having to scrape the grill because the salmon skin is stuck or having to eat dry salmon for dinner. This recipe is fool-proof and will give you the best salmon you’ve ever had!
The Asian-inspired blackberry-chipotle glaze is savory, sweet, a tad smoky, slightly spicy, superbly sticky, and fantastically fruity with nuances of ginger and garlic. When generously slathered on luscious, rich salmon and grilled on a cedar plank, this dish becomes an umami flavor bomb!
But not only is this dish glorious in the taste department, but it is also a cinch to throw together. Simply simmer and reduce the glaze, place a side of salmon on a soaked cedar plank, liberally smear the glaze on top, and grill.
Viola – Stellar summer salmon dinner served!
Why this glazed cedar plank salmon works
This recipe is:
- A great healthy dinner. Packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-three fatty acids, this recipe is a delicious way to get your daily dose of salmon.
- Perfect for summer. This cedar plank salmon recipe is best enjoyed in the summer when you can fire up the grill and enjoy the warm weather. Pair it with some delicious side dishes!
- An easy recipe to make. The blackberry chipotle glaze can be made ahead of time, and the salmon only needs to be grilled for about 25 minutes.
- Versatile. Keep it simple, or choose another marinade or glaze. It’s up to you!
- Great for meal prep. Make a whole cedar plank salmon and then portion it out for a leisurely, healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
What is cedar plank salmon?
When talking about cedar plank salmon, it refers to how the filet of salmon is cooked.
Cedar plank is a type of wood used in grilling or smoking. When cedar plank is soaked in water and then heated, it provides a fantastic, smokey flavor to the fish.
The cedar also helps to keep the salmon moist by creating a barrier between the direct heat and the fish.
Ingredients for cedar plank salmon on the grill
This grilled salmon recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook. It is healthy and delicious!
Here’s what you will need to make BBQ salmon:
- Cedar Plank: Buy a large piece of cedar plank wood. You can find cedar planks at most grocery stores in the grilling section. My plank was 7’’x16″.
- Sake: Sake is a Japanese rice wine with a light and smooth flavor. You can find this near the other Asian ingredients at your local grocery store or Asian market.
- Substitution: Swap out the sake for some orange juice or water!
- Salmon: For this recipe, choose whole, skin-on, wild-caught salmon (about 2 pounds). Double-check that the pin bones have been removed. If you buy fresh fish from the seafood counter, you can ask them to remove it before wrapping.
Here’s what you will need to make the blackberry chipotle glaze:
- Blackberry Preserves: Using this blackberry jam as the base for the glaze gives the salmon a gorgeous deep purple color with flecks of black. It pairs nicely with the chili and soy sauce.
- Chipotle Chili In Adobo: All you need is one chili minced up. It provides a fantastic smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat.
- Substitution: If you don’t want that much spiciness, use ½ a chipotle pepper instead of a whole one, or leave this ingredient out.
- Soy Sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce, so the glaze isn’t too salty.
- Substitution: Want to keep this gluten-free? Use low-sodium tamari sauce instead!
- Garlic and Ginger: These two ingredients are essential in Asian cuisine. They provide a fantastic depth of flavor that compliments the sweetness of the blackberry preserves.
- Hoisin Sauce: This sticky sauce is made with fermented soybeans, sugar, and garlic. It’s used frequently in Asian cuisine and provides a fantastic savory flavor.
- Substitution: Use gluten-free hoisin sauce if you want to make this spicy glaze gluten-free.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity from the lemon juice helps balance out the glaze’s sweetness. It adds a nice layer of flavor to the salmon. Use fresh lemons if you can!
- Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning combo.
Garnishes
These are all optional, but I always add these garnishes to the top of my grilled salmon!
- Fresh Blackberries
- Lemon Slices
- Chives
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
Flavor Variations
Blackberry chipotle, not your thing? That’s okay! Instead, use these different sauces, marinades, and glazes on top of the cedar plank salmon!
- Salsa Verde. This refreshing green salsa is made with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice. It’s chunky and light with a hint of spice.
- Honey Sriracha Glaze. This sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze is made with honey, sriracha sauce, rice mirin, and garlic. Do you want to know the secret ingredient? It’s pineapple juice!
- Basil Butter. Here is a simple yet flavorful salty butter made with just basil, garlic, lemon zest, and salt. It’s the perfect topping for a piece of grilled salmon.
- Cuban Mojo. This citrusy marinade is made with orange, lime, garlic, cumin, and oregano. It’s a delicious blend of sweet and savory!
Serving ideas for cedar plank salmon grill recipe
When serving this delicious salmon dish, consider making one of these side dishes to enjoy with the fish:
- Asparagus. This is a classic veggie to serve alongside fish filets! But this is not a simple veggie dish. Instead, these asparagus spears are wrapped in salty prosciutto, roasted until crispy, and then topped with a creamy lemon garlic aioli.
- Tomatoes. These roasted cherry tomatoes are the perfect summer side dish! They’re sweet, juicy, and slightly charred. The lemon vinaigrette takes them over the top!
- Cucumber Salad. This easy cucumber salad is a refreshing and light side dish. It’s made with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, fresh herbs, and a homemade Asian dressing. Ready to eat in 10 minutes.
- Mashed Potatoes. Okay, these are not your ordinary mashed potatoes! This recipe is made with purple potatoes, leeks, AND parsnips. Talk about a flavor explosion in your mouth!
- Taco Bowl. Make your dinner all in one bowl. Instead of serving this filling bowl with white fish, cook some cedar plank salmon. The fish’s smoky, slightly charred flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh veggies and all the toppings in this taco bowl.
- Fish Tacos. While your bbq salmon is cooking, mix a batch of creamy jalapeno coleslaw. Using your homemade flour tortillas as a base, add some grilled salmon, coleslaw, and a dollop of remoulade sauce to have the best fish tacos for dinner!
FAQ: BBQ cedar plank salmon
Do I have to soak the cedar plank with sake?
No, you don’t have to soak the cedar plank in sake, but it does give the salmon a wonderful flavor.
I soaked mine in sake to give it a crisp Asian flavor, but I’ve used orange juice before, which will add an essence of citrus. You can also use water if you are watching your budget.
Make sure you soak it in some non-flammable liquid for at least one hour!
Can I use a different type of wood for this grilled salmon recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of wood for this grilled salmon recipe. Some other options include:
- Cherry
- Apple
- Hickory
- Mesquite
No matter what size plank you use, you must soak it for at least 1 hour before grilling.
Do I have to use skin-on salmon?
No, you don’t have to use skin-on salmon. However, the skin does help to keep the salmon from sticking to the cedar plank and adds a bit of flavor!
If you choose to use skinless salmon, make sure to brush the cedar plank with oil so that the salmon doesn’t stick.
What type of grill do I need for this recipe?
You will need an outdoor grill to make this salmon dinner. I found that a gas grill, a pellet grill, or a charcoal grill give it the best flavor!
I did a little research and found the best brands to look for when buying a grill:
- Traeger
- Big Green Egg
- Weber
How do I add the blackberry chipotle glaze to the salmon?
When the salmon comes off the grill, you can caramelize the glaze by running it under the broiler for a minute or two.
To do so:
- Transfer the salmon, still on the plank, directly to the oven.
- Place a sheet pan on the rack below to catch any drippings.
- Broil for a minute or so, overseeing it to prevent burning.
Storing and freezing cedar plank salmon
Follow these simple tips to properly store, freeze, and reheat this glazed salmon recipe.
How long can I store grilled salmon?
Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil.
Can I freeze cooked salmon?
Yes, you can freeze grilled salmon! Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to four months.
There are two ways to freeze this recipe:
- Freeze it whole with the salmon grilled and glazed in advance.
- Or, you can freeze the blackberry chipotle glaze separately from the salmon and add the glaze once it has been reheated.
When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 400° F until it’s cooked through.
What is the best way to reheat grilled salmon?
The best way to reheat grilled salmon is in the oven at 400° F until it’s cooked. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it!
If you’re reheating frozen salmon, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then follow the instructions above.
Whether you’re looking for a new and delicious way to prepare salmon or need some inspiration for your next outdoor grill party, this cedar plank salmon recipe is sure to please! The blackberry chipotle glaze gives the fish a sweet and smoky flavor that everyone will love. Soak the cedar plank in advance, mix up the glaze, and enjoy an easy grilled meal that’s fit for a king (or queen)!
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More salmon recipes!
If you love this cedar plank salmon recipe, try one of these salmon recipes next!
- How To Cure Salmon (Gravlax)
- Salmon Fried Rice
- Easy Salmon Dip
- Lemon Salmon
- Salmon Tostada
- Baked Salmon with Brussel Sprouts
How to make cedar plank salmon 👇
Blackberry-Chipotle Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 large Cedar Plank
- Sake (can substitute Orange Juice or Water), for soaking
- 1 (about 2 pound) Whole Skin-on Salmon Filet , pin bones removed*
- 1/3 Cup + 1 TBS Blackberry Preserves
- 1 Chipotle Chili in Adobo - minced
- 1 TBS Ginger – grated
- 3 Cloves Garlic – minced
- 1 TBS Hoisin
- 1 TBS Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Pepper
- Serving Options:
- Fresh Blackberries
- Lemon – slices or wedges
- Chives – sliced
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- At least 1 hour before grilling: Soak the cedar plank in sake.
- In a small sauce pan: Add preserves, chipotle chili, ginger, garlic, hoisin, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir to combine well. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool completely.
- Heat charcoal or gas grill to 425 degrees F.
- Place the entire piece of salmon, skin side down, on top on cedar plank and make sure it is completely on the plank and not hanging off. Generously brush the preserve mixture on top of the salmon. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Place the cedar plank on the grill grates and cover grill. Grill for 12-15 minutes, or until desired doneness (salmon is done when it is pink in the center).
- Use a large spatula to transfer the salmon still on the plank to a clean surface to rest for 3-5 minutes. After resting transfer salmon to a cutting board.
- Cut into desired portions, serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
*Glaze can be made 2 days in advance
*You can marinate the salmon, brushed with preserves for 30 minutes if desired.
*Optional: To caramelize glaze, adjust oven racks to highest and middle positions. Place a large sheet pan on middle rack to catch drippings. Pre-heat oven to highest broil setting. When finished cooking salmon on the grill, place salmon still on plank directly in the oven on the top rack. Broil 1-2 minutes, watching salmon carefully to prevent burning.
I want yo make this salmón for a dinner party , but wont be able to grill it! What do you suggest?? Oven baked?or broli???
Help!
Hi Aline! You can absolutely bake the salmon, just follow the same instructions as for the grill – 425 degrees f. If you want to run the broiler after baking for a couple minutes to carmelized the glaze a bit, you can do that as well (I actually recommend it, but keep a CLOSE eye on the salmon)! Hope you and your dinner guests love this as much as we do! Cheers and thanks for stopping by!
I can’t believe you said that you don’t like the pictures. I was just looking at them thinking how awesome they are! Seriously. The salmon looks so freaking delicious!!
I love this glaze! It sounds just perfect with salmon. I need to give this a try 🙂
I need this salmon!!! Oh my gosh, that bbq sauce looks amazing!
I’ve made salmon countless ways, but never with blackberry! This looks amazing, Cheyanne, and I need to try it! I’m so glad you had a nice relaxing birthday unplugged…with a lobster tail. haha Sounds like a great way to celebrate to me!
Glad your birthday was spent how you liked it to be and the lobster isn’t a shabby way to indulge either. This spicy blackberry-chipotle glaze has be drooling. I just picked up a beautiful salmon from Costco last night, although I don’t have a cedar plank, this might have to happen tonight! Looks like each bite gets it all in. Cheers and enjoy the weekend.
I am so glad you had a wonderful birthday!! I am very easy to please too so I totally get it! Love the glaze here, sounds great!
I love salmon but don’t eat it as often as I’d like. I run out of ways to prepare it and it gets a bit boring. I’m loving the idea of blackberry chipotle glaze. It sounds wonderfully sweet and smokey. I’m filing this one away for the next time we purchase salmon!
Dear Cheyanne – I am so glad you chilled on your birthday and the 4th. Good for you. I like the holidays quiet myself, it’s all these boys that don’t always agree with the quiet part. Ha ha.I love this cedar plank salmon. So pretty. What a gorgeous slab of fish you found. Seriously. I can almost taste that melt in your mouth salmon. Mmmmm mmmm good.The blackberry glaze was a great choice. I have always been curious about cedar planks, haven’t used one. Do you buy it, and where? And is it a one time use kind of thing? I know, twenty questions. Sorry. I’ve always wondered though. Cheers to the weekend almost here, hope you can relax and enjoy some downtime. XOXO
Hey lovely!! I can imagine with boys that you never really get a quiet moment, let alone a quiet holiday!! But I know they are worth all the noise! 😉 I bought my cedar plank at the grocery store in right where they sell fresh seafood. But, they also sell them online. Amazon has a ton of them, and I have purchased from them before too! As far as how many uses you can get out of them.. it kinda depends on what you make. If you make this salmon, I would recommend not using the plank again, because a bit of the glaze will drip on to it. I normally discard my planks after using them anyways, BUT I have heard of people re-using them. It will just depend on what you use it for and how messy the plank gets. You should try using a cedar plank sometime, it is an especially delicious way to cook salmon. AND you don’t have to worry about salmon sticking to the grill grates. 😉 Always a win in my book! I hope you have a great weekend, dear! xoxoxo
I think these photos turned out absolutely beautiful, Cheyanne! I love making salmon for dinner, but I’ve never tried a glaze like this one before. I love the idea though, it sounds perfect!
Since salmon is my all-time favorite food choice for dinner, and cedar planks are the best invention ever, this is very exciting to me. I love the sweet and smoky! I hope your long weekend was awesome, because here we are headed into another one. Yay!
I love salmon, my favorite fish, but I have never cooked such a large piece. I have been meaning too a few times, but the thought scares me a little bit. You’re making it sound so easy. I don’t have such a fancy grill though (just an iron rack sitting on top of bricks), could I make this in the oven? Would the cooking time be the same?
Hey Adina!! You can absolutely make this in the oven! I would recommend putting a sheet pan on the rack below the cedar plank, to catch any drippings that may happen. Other than that, follow the recipe as instructed and you are good to go! Hope you love this salmon as much as we do if you try it! Cheers!
So happy you got some time to relax and enjoy your birthday. Jammies, boy and fur child sound like the best way to spend it. Summers are no good for productivity here too. We’ve had family staying with us for the past few weeks so it’s been a bit cray cray trying to finish up some work projects and photoshoots with them here. I know this gorgeous salmon would be a hit with everyone here though! Love the umami packed blackberry chipotle glaze!
Happy belated birthday girl!! Relaxing weekends are the best and the way to spend birthdays 🙂 This salmon looks amazing with the sweet and smoky spicy flavor going on. I missed reading your posts while I was under. So glad to be back!!
Salmon is my jam. Love that stuff and eat it almost every day for lunch. Can’t wait to try it with the blackberry and chipotle sauce. And spicy is my thang so it’s all good 😉 Happy you had a great bday too & that big ass yummy lobster tail 🙂
Glad you had a nice birthday and 4th of July! Time away from the computer and offline sounds great! This salmon looks awesome! Love the idea! Need to try it soon! The photos are gorgeous!
Happy belated b-day! Your celebration sounds perfect to me! But let’s talk about this salmon, salmon has to be prepared really special for me to eat it and this is it!! Not only is it gorgeous but I love the sweet touch of the blackberries . Take care!
So glad you enjoyed your 4th and your birthday Cheyanne! I absolutely LOVE this salmon! That sauce sounds sweet, savory and just PERFECT all around! Cedar plank salmon happens quite often during the summer at our house, so I’ll definitely be giving this recipe a try! Pinned! Have a great week!
Uhm I definitely thought these photos looked great,… i think we are our own worst critics sometimes 🙂 This recipe sounds and looks freaking amazing. I have made a salmon blackberry recipe before, but it was a little too fussy so I definitely would be interested in trying your version. Perfect dish for this time of year!
Happy to know that you had an awesome 4th July. Your birthday sounds fun. And I completely understand that summer screams for a break! Less work more fun. 😉 This plank salmon looks mouth-watering good, Cheyanne. And that blackberry chipotle glaze is ah-mazing. Sweet and spicy flavors are always in winner in my book. To me; these pictures look wonderful, Cheyanne. Have a great weekend my friend! 🙂 <3
Girl… I’ve never seen you take a bad photo. This salmon looks and sounds sensational! That glaze… I want to slather that on everything! And happy belated birthday! Anytime lobster is involved, it’s a good day 🙂 So glad to hear that you, boy, and little fur child had a nice time and relaxing time.
Totally understand about needing a little break too – but, so glad you are back! Btw, I love how you celebrated your birthday – staying in jammies all day and feasting on lobster tails sounds like a dream to me! But, Cheyanne, you do jest when you say you aren’t happy with your pictures right? Cos, they have me drooling! And “blackberry chipotle”? Why that’s simply brilliant! I would never have thought about this flavor combo – but can see how well it complements that salmon!
Cheers to the lazy days of summer – hope you enjoy them my friend! xoxo
Happy (belated) Birthday, Chey! Glad that you enjoyed your day (Not to mention those lobster tails). But I’m kind of nervous because you didn’t mention any cake. Your birthday cannot be complete without a cake being involved too. And if you happen not to have a sweet tooth, remember: you can always share this cake with your friends. So look forward to hearing from you:) Now about real food. This salmon looks fantastic (Well you might not be 100% excited about these pictures, but that doesn’t matter to me – the fish makes me hungry). Well done!
Wow mama! This salmon is gorgeous and that blackberry glaze – heart eyes for days.
My mouth is watering! This is such a rockin’ combination of flavors! Chipotle, blackberry preserves, and ginger?! Flipping amazing!
Holy goodness, such a cool idea for a salmon glaze. I’m way intrigued by the hoisin/blackberry/chipotle combo (and conveniently have all the supplies at home, minus salmon….. 😉 ) Dying to try this! I feel ya too, my brain is already idling into weekend mode. The down side of long weekends and summer, eh?
Yay! So glad you had a great birthday!! And I hear you – summer is absolutely no good for productivity! I blame it on the heat! haha 🙂 I am loving the sound of this glaze!! I love the sweet and spicy thing this has going on – that’s the best combo in my opinion!!!
That is one huge and gorgeous salmon! Shut your mouth about the photos! I’m loving these flavor combos and never would have thought to put blackberries on salmon! So glad you had an awesome birthday and 4th. A quiet day at home with a 2 pound lobster tail sounds good to me! XOXO
I soooo missed you too! <– this is me pretending that you were exclusively talking to me when you said you missed us. Lol. But I'm the ONLY one with a BFF bracelet, right??? Haha. I'm so happy to hear that you had an awesomely relaxing birthday. Especially the no-internet part. Gurl. Sometimes you just need to unplug.
Okay, but afternoon and night grilling sessions?? Why, oh why do I punish myself by not living near you? Why????
The photos for this post were just incredible. Chey, you always inspire me to take MUCH better photos. Lol. These photos were just a feast for my eyes. 🙂 Happy, happy birthday my dear. Muah, muah, muah! xoxoxo
I love salmon and this one looks amazingly delicious, flavorful. 🙂
This salmon looks amazing!! What a combination! I seriously need to cook with salmon more often.
Absolutely beautiful! Love, love the spicy blackberry glaze and must be perfect with the salmon. I took a mini-break this past week, too. Must be something in the air 😉
Glad you had a great 4th and a totally relaxing birthday! I love how you spent it….in pjs chilling and lots of food! My kinda relaxing! And. I think your photos look the bomb, Cheyanne (as usual)! Ok, funny story, there once was a time (the one and only time) years ago that I thought I would make cedar planked salmon. So, silly girl over here totally forgot to soak her boards, placed them on the grill and caught it all on fire. No cedar planked salmon since 😀 Soooooo…..maybe it’s time I redeem myself, what do you think? I’m LOVING this combo of blackberry and chipotle with the salmon. My mouth is watering right now! I have to try this one soon so Pinning, of course. Have a great weekend, girl! xo
Pajamas and lobster tails sound like the ONLY thing possible better than this glorious salmon! Summertime delicious, my birthday friend! Pinning, pinning, pinning! xo
Loving these flavors so much Cheyanne! I think I’ve said it before – but salmon is hands down my favorite protein ever, I could probably eat it for dinner every night and be happy – and this one definitely needs to be added to my list, those sweet and spicy flavors together sound to die for. PS – I think your pictures are gorgeous!
Sounds like you had a nice weekend and relaxing birthday! Just the way I like it, too. And, of course, lots of grilling, which is much needed during the summer! This salmon…wow. Just wow! I’ve never seen a more gorgeous glaze on top, Cheyanne! My husband and I literally eat salmon almost once a week, so I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it. This version looks incredible! I wish I could just reach through my screen and take a bite. Pinned, of course! Hope you have a great weekend, friend!
This looks absolutely delicious, Cheyanne! I do love salmon meals!
These pictures are gorgeous!!! I think we all notice “bad” pictures on our own blogs when no one else does. This salmon sounds even better than it looks, though. I’ve never tried a cedar plank before. And now I really want to! Glad you had an awesome 4th!
Salmon is my favorite fish and I love it grilled on a cedar plank, and this fruity + spicy + umami-filled glaze has me seriously drooling! (So do the pictures, so don’t worry about those – they look fabulous!) This sounds like a perfect summer dinner and a must try! Pinned!
Also, so glad to hear you had a lovely, quiet holiday and birthday and somewhat of a work break 😉 And at least it’s already almost Friday again! XO
Sometimes it is nice to just get away from everything and especially the internet 😉 I also need this every now and then. Glad you had a nice Birthday – good company and food are always the best combination. This salmon with its sticky glazing sounds incredible! ♡
I am drooling..Cheyanne. The salmon is my absolute favourite…either raw, grilled, or roasted.