Cedar Plank Salmon Garlic Dill (Printable)

Salmon fillets grilled on cedar with garlic, dill, and lemon for smoky, citrus-herb flavor. Easy, summer main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salmon

01 - 4 skin-on salmon fillets, each 6 ounces

→ Marinade & Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus additional for garnish
05 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
06 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For Grilling

08 - 2 untreated food-safe cedar planks, about 12 x 6 inches
09 - Lemon slices, for garnish

# How-To:

01 - Immerse cedar planks in cold water for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 2 hours, using a weight to ensure they are fully submerged.
02 - Combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
03 - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides evenly with marinade, reserving some for basting during grilling.
04 - Set outdoor grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Place soaked cedar planks onto the grates, close the lid, and allow them to heat for 2 minutes until smoking and crackling.
05 - Position salmon fillets skin-side down on cedar planks. Close grill lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, basting once with reserved marinade, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
06 - Remove planks from the grill. Garnish salmon with extra dill and lemon slices. Serve promptly.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cedar plank adds a smoky depth that makes the salmon taste as if it came straight from a mountain campfire.
  • It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner, yet impressive enough to turn grilling into a backyard celebration.
02 -
  • If your planks aren’t fully soaked, they’ll catch fire—I learned this with a dramatic flare-up once.
  • Using reserved marinade for basting near the end keeps the salmon moist and makes the flavors pop — don't skip it.
03 -
  • Patting salmon dry before marinating prevents a watery finish and helps flavor soak in better.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the planks themselves to release even more aroma while grilling.
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