Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon is a stunning recipe that combines the deep, smoky aroma of cedar wood with the sweet heat of honey and cracked black pepper. As the salmon cooks on a soaked cedar plank, it absorbs subtle woodsy flavors that transform this simple dish into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon:
This recipe perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and smoky notes, making it ideal for summer grilling or an impressive dinner party. It’s easy to prepare, elegant to serve, and delicious enough to turn even non-seafood lovers into fans.
History:
The cedar plank cooking method has deep roots in Native American and Pacific Northwest traditions. Indigenous peoples used local cedar wood to cook fish over open fires, infusing the meat with natural smokiness. Modern chefs adapted this ancient method, blending it with contemporary flavors like honey, black pepper, and mustard to create elegant yet rustic dishes.
The Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon represents a perfect harmony of old-world technique and modern taste—sweet honey caramelizing on smoky wood while pepper adds a zesty finish. It’s a timeless culinary tradition elevated with today’s bold flavor combinations.
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grilled cedar plank salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)
- 1 cedar grilling plank (soaked in water for 1 hour)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or lemon wedges
Instructions
- Soak the cedar plank. Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least one hour to prevent burning on the grill.
- Preheat the grill. Heat the grill to medium (around 400°F / 200°C).
- Prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the salmon dry. Place the fillets on a plate and brush each generously with the honey-pepper glaze.
- Set up the plank. Remove the soaked plank, place it on the grill for 2 minutes until it starts to smoke slightly.
- Add the salmon. Arrange the fillets on the plank, skin side down. Close the lid and grill for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Finish and serve. Remove carefully from the grill, drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle lemon zest, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Always soak your cedar plank thoroughly—it prevents flare-ups and enhances smokiness.
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Lightly oil the plank before adding salmon to prevent sticking.
- Adjust pepper levels for your preferred spice intensity.
- Use high-quality wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Pepper-Honey Salmon:
- Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme on the plank for extra aroma.
- For added depth, drizzle a touch of soy sauce into the glaze.
- If grilling indoors, use a cedar plank on a grill pan under a vented hood.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different twist.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a citrus salad for a complete meal.
FAQs for Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon:
Q1. Can I bake cedar plank salmon in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes on a baking sheet.
Q2. Can I reuse the cedar plank?
If not charred, rinse it and reuse once or twice, but discard if heavily burned.
Q3. What sides go well with this salmon?
It pairs beautifully with grilled asparagus, rice pilaf, or a citrus salad.
Q4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Q5. Does the type of honey matter?
Yes, darker honeys like buckwheat or wildflower add richer, deeper sweetness.
Conclusion:
Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon is an elegant, flavorful, and healthy dish that turns a simple salmon fillet into a smoky-sweet masterpiece. Combining cedar’s natural aroma with honey’s sweetness and the kick of pepper, it delivers a balance of flavors that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for grilling season or special gatherings, this dish proves that simplicity and sophistication can go hand in hand.