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Perfect Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Easy Lemon Dill Butter

grilled cedar plank salmon - featured image

This grilled cedar plank salmon recipe features a subtle smoky flavor infused by the cedar plank and a bright, fresh lemon dill butter that melts into the flaky fish, making it perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large salmon fillet (about 2 pounds / 900 g), skin-on, preferably wild-caught
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cedar plank, 12” x 8” (soaked in water for at least 1 hour before grilling)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and allow steaming during cooking.
  2. In a bowl, combine softened butter, chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  4. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Place the soaked cedar plank directly over the heat source on the grill. Close the lid and heat for 3-5 minutes until it begins to smoke slightly.
  6. Carefully place the salmon skin-side down on the heated plank. Lay lemon slices evenly on top and spoon or dollop the lemon dill butter over the salmon.
  7. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium-rare. Cook longer if preferred more done. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
  8. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully lift the plank off the grill and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning. Use medium heat to avoid charring the plank or undercooking the salmon. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups. Avoid flipping the salmon on the plank to prevent breaking. The salmon continues cooking slightly after removal from heat, so aim for slightly underdone on the grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, cedar plank salmon, lemon dill butter, summer recipe, easy salmon recipe, seafood, BBQ, healthy dinner