How to Cook Perfect Cedar Plank Salmon in the Oven

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank is a fantastic way to infuse your fish with a subtle, smoky wood flavor while keeping it incredibly moist and tender. While grilling cedar plank salmon on the barbecue is ideal in warm weather, the oven provides a great alternative when you want that same infused flavor without having to cook outdoors.

Cedar planked salmon baked in the oven delivers incredibly consistent results each time The plank prevents the salmon from drying out, as can happen when salmon is baked directly on a pan or baking sheet. The cedar imparts a delicate woodsy aroma that complements the richness of the salmon beautifully Follow these simple steps for oven-baked cedar plank salmon perfection.

Benefits of Cooking Salmon on a Cedar Plank

There are several advantages to planking salmon in the oven:

• Infuses the salmon with a lovely smoky, woodsy flavor from the cedar plank

• Salmon cooks evenly due to direct contact with the heated plank.

• The salmon doesn’t need to be flipped during cooking.

• The cedar plank prevents the salmon from drying out.

• Easy cleanup with no pans to scrub!

Tips for Cedar Planking Success

• Use untreated, food-grade cedar planks to avoid unpleasant chemical odors.

• Look for planks approximately 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches wider than the salmon fillets.

• Soak the plank in water for at least 1 hour before cooking to prevent burning in the oven. Many chefs recommend soaking for up to 24 hours.

• Choose planks with a natural curve to allow steam circulation underneath during cooking. Flat planks won’t impart as much flavor.

• Well-cared for planks can be reused 3-5 times. Discard planks that are overly charred or dried out.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven Cedar Planked Salmon

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked oven cedar plank salmon every time.

Step 1 – Prepare the Plank

Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour prior to cooking. Weigh it down with a plate or cans if it tries to float. For added flavor, you can soak it in wine, lemon water, or a brine solution.

Step 2 – Preheat the Oven and Plank

Preheat the oven to 375°F-400°F. Place the soaked plank directly on the oven rack or on a rimmed baking sheet. Heat the plank for 2-5 minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 3 – Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush with oil and sprinkle with desired seasonings.

Step 4 – Bake the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot plank. Bake for 15-18 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets, and 20-25 minutes for 1 1/2-inch thick fillets. Salmon should still be slightly translucent at the thickest part when done.

Step 5 – Rest and Serve

Carefully transfer the plank with salmon to a heatproof surface. Loosely tent with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The salmon will continue to cook a bit more.

Tips for Preparing Planked Salmon

• Choose wild-caught salmon over farmed for better flavor, texture, and nutrition. Opt for 1 1/2 inch thick center-cut fillets for even cooking.

• Briefly brining the salmon first will help the flesh firm up so it holds together better on the plank.

• Chill the salmon until ready to cook. Refrigerate the soaked plank until ready to bake.

• Pat salmon fillets very dry so seasonings and oil stick nicely.

• Oil the plank rather than the fish so seasonings adhere to the salmon.

Baking Tips for Oven Cedar Planked Salmon

• Preheat the plank first so the salmon can immediately start cooking when placed on it.

• Arrange fillets toward the center of the plank to prevent drying out on the edges.

• For thicker fillets, tuck the thinner tail end under to prevent overcooking.

• Avoid peeking in the oven until the minimum cook time has passed.

• Use a digital thermometer to accurately check doneness, especially with thick fillets.

• Allow the cooked salmon to rest before serving for juicier texture. 135°F is ideal.

Seasoning Suggestions for Planked Salmon

One of the great things about salmon is that it pairs well with so many flavors. Use dry rubs or brush on marinades, pestos or glazes. Here are some tasty seasoning ideas:

• Lemon pepper, dill, paprika, garlic powder

• Chili powder, brown sugar, lime zest

• Teriyaki marinade or maple syrup glaze

• Pesto, chutney, or salsa

• Cajun or blackening spices

Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, chives or parsley are excellent too. Flavored butters are also delicious.

Side Dishes to Serve with Cedar Planked Salmon

Oven-baked cedar plank salmon is so simple to make that it can be the star of the show. Here are some tasty sides to serve it with:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans

• Wild rice pilaf or quinoa

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette

• Sauteed spinach with garlic

• Fruit salsa or grilled peach slices

Don’t forget sauces! Dill sauce, hollandaise, pesto, chimichurri all pair fabulously with salmon.

Planked Salmon FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking salmon on cedar planks in the oven:

What types of wood can be used for planking salmon?

Cedar and alder are most common. Avoid pine which can impart a bitter flavor. Oak and maple are other possibilities.

How long should you bake salmon on a cedar plank?

For 1-inch thick fillets allow 15-18 minutes. For 1 1/2-inch thick fillets, bake 20-25 minutes. Check doneness at minimum time.

What oven temperature is best for planking salmon?

Preheat the oven to 375°F-400°F before planking. The hot plank will sear the salmon and maximize flavor infusion.

Can you reuse cedar planks for cooking salmon?

Yes! With proper care between uses, most planks can be reused 3-5 times. Avoid burning and charring the wood.

Should you soak salmon before planking it?

Some chefs recommend a 10-15 minute brine or buttermilk soak to season the flesh and firm it up before planking.

What oven rack position should you use?

Place the planked salmon on the middle oven rack for best heat circulation. Avoid placing too close to the top broiler.

Do you need to flip the salmon while planking?

No, salmon cooks perfectly from the heated plank below. Baste with glaze or oil if desired.

Get Planking!

Now that you know how to cook cedar planked salmon in the oven, it’s time to get planking! This recipe results in moist, flavorful salmon that makes an elegant yet easy meal any time of year.

Experiment with different wood types, seasoning blends, and sauce pairings. Leftovers are fantastic in salads, sandwiches or salmon cakes. Once you’ve mastered the oven method, try planking salmon on the grill for maximum smoky flavor. Delicious cedar-infused salmon is just a simple plank away!