Cedar-Planked Salmon
Cedar-planked salmon is a classic Canadian preparation with roots in Indigenous cooking traditions, where fish was smoked over fragrant cedar wood. Today, it remains a beloved West Coast dish — the cedar imparts a gentle smokiness while keeping the salmon moist and tender. The drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of Canadian sweetness, balancing the rich, buttery fish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour to soak plank)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 untreated cedar plank (about 30 × 15 cm / 12 × 6 in), soaked in water at least 1 hour
4 salmon fillets (about 170 g / 6 oz each), skin on
3 tbsp pure Canadian maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Soak plank: Submerge cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour (weigh it down so it stays under). This prevents burning and adds steam during cooking.
Make glaze: In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
Prepare salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry. Brush generously with maple–lemon glaze.
Grill or bake: Preheat barbecue to medium-high (or oven to 200 °C / 400 °F). Place soaked plank on grill (or in oven for 3–5 minutes until it smokes slightly). Lay salmon skin-side down on the plank. Cook covered 20–25 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.
Serve: Remove plank carefully, squeeze with extra lemon, and garnish with fresh dill. Serve straight from the board for rustic presentation.
Variations
West Coast Herb – Replace dill with fresh rosemary and thyme for a woodsy flavour.
Spicy Glaze – Add 1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce to the maple glaze.
Citrus Twist – Use orange juice and zest instead of lemon for a sweeter, brighter finish.
Cedar trees are known as the “Tree of Life” among many Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Beyond cooking, cedar provided bark for weaving, wood for canoes and homes, and even medicine from its oils. Cooking salmon on cedar planks is a continuation of this heritage — a method that infuses flavour while honouring the tree’s deep cultural and spiritual importance.
