Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon on a Cedar Plank

Grilled Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon on a Cedar Plank is a favorite! This is so easy and is a perfect meal to serve to family and friends. 

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Once you have started cooking on cedar planks, it becomes a game-changer! It infuses the mild cedar flavor into food and leaves you feeling like you are sitting in the middle of the woods. I know that sounds like a stretch, but try it and let me know if you don’t feel like you are nestled in a forest eating off of a cedar plank! 

We grew up in the Pacific Northwest where cedar plank cooking began back with the Native Americans thousands of years ago. Research has found that Native Americans would club the salmon and bring it back to their village, attach the salmon to wood planks and slowly cook/smoke the salmon over open fires. 

There are so many different ways to make salmon on cedar planks that you’ll never get bored! 

How to Cook Using Cedar Planks 

The first key component to grilling with cedar planks is knowing that you should soak them prior to grilling. It’s not a big deal but it just requires a bit of prior planning. I cook using direct heat so the bottom of the cedar plank gets scorched which releases that fantastic flavor. 

There is a debate on whether you really need to soak the planks or not.  I have been happy with the results of soaking so, I stick with it.

How Long Do I Need to Soak Cedar Planks 

Soak the cedar planks for 1-2 hours prior to placing it on the grill. This helps the cedar plank to not catch on fire while you grill. It will still burn on the bottom but it won’t turn into a fire hazard. 🔥🚒

I soak them in a container where they can be fully immersed and weigh them down with a heavy bowl or pan. 

Can I Add Anything Else to the Water

You can always add a little salt, wine or bourbon to change up the flavor of the cedar planks. Since you can buy these in bulk, try a couple out and see what you like. 

How Can I Make the Cedar Taste More Intense 

If you want more than the gentle cedar taste that you normally will get by grilling, heat up the cedar plank on your grill first for 5-7 minutes and then place your salmon it. This will bring out the cedar taste even more.  It is not necessary, but give it a shot and see. 

How to Make Grilled Parmesan Crusted Salmon on Cedar Plank 

Let’s get started. Always start off by soaking your planks as noted above. 

Heat up the grill up to 350 degrees on direct heat. While the grill is heating up, combine the parmesan, panko, garlic, parsley and lemon zest in a bowl. 

Place salmon filets on the cedar planks. Place the cedar planks that are loaded with the salmon the grill and cook for 10 minutes. 

After 10 minutes, cover with the parmesan crust mixture on top of the salmon and cook an additional 10-15 minutes. Check for doneness at 140 degrees using a thermometer. 

Let us know how you like it!