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Perfect Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe with Easy Lemon Dill Butter

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A simple and impressive cedar plank salmon recipe featuring a smoky flavor and tangy lemon dill butter, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (1.5 to 2 pounds / 700-900g) fresh salmon fillet, skin on (preferably wild-caught)
  • 1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning and release smoky aroma.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C) or preheat oven broiler and position rack about 6 inches from heat source.
  4. Pat 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 on grill grates or on a rimmed baking sheet if using the oven.
  6. Place salmon skin-side down on the cedar plank. Close grill lid or oven door and cook for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
  7. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, dollop lemon dill butter over the salmon to melt and infuse flavor. Optionally tent with foil to help butter melt evenly.
  8. Remove salmon and plank from heat carefully. Let salmon rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices before serving.

Notes

Always soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. Add lemon dill butter in the last few minutes to avoid burning. Keep grill lid closed to trap smoke and heat. Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven wrapped in foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cedar plank salmon, lemon dill butter, grilled salmon, easy salmon recipe, smoky salmon, healthy salmon, quick dinner