Cedar Plank Salmon with Citrus Rub
- PREP 30min
- COOK 20min
- TOTAL 50min
Because the salmon cooks slowly, this cedar plank salmon is ridiculously tender, moist, and flavorful. We love this sweet citrus rub. It works really well with the woodsy cedar smoke that the salmon soaks up from the plank below. Hands-on time for this recipe is low, and the extra 30 minutes called for in the prep time are for soaking the cedar plank in water.
You Will Need
1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
1 pound (450g) skin-on salmon, cut into 4 fillets
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 lemon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
3 to 4 thyme sprigs, optional
Directions
1Zest the lemon to yield about 1 teaspoon of zest, then combine in a small bowl with the brown sugar, salt, and smoked paprika. Set the lemon aside.
2Pat the salmon dry and rub the spice mix evenly over the fillets. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3While the salmon marinates, heat a grill to medium.
4Place the soaked cedar plank directly on the grill grates, cover, and heat until the wood begins to smoke, about 5 minutes.
5Flip the plank, scatter the thyme sprigs over the surface, and lay the salmon skin-side down on the plank. Cover the grill and cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F, 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness. Check the plank occasionally; if the edges start to catch fire, mist with a little water (or pour a small amount from a glass over the singed area) and move the plank to a cooler part of the grill with indirect heat.
6While the salmon cooks, halve the reserved lemon and place the cut side down on the grill grates. Grill until softened and lightly browned. Serve the grilled lemon halves alongside the salmon.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.