Pit Boss Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank: Flavorful Outdoor Recipe

Cedar-plank salmon smoked low and slow on a pellet grill is a simple way to get restaurant-quality fish at home. This method works with fresh-caught or store-bought fillets and highlights the cedar aroma along with butter, fresh herbs, and lemon.

I first made this on a Pit Boss Pro 1100 and kept it simple: cedar, a little oil, butter, lemon, and fresh herbs. Pit Boss pellet grills offer great value and consistent results for smoking at low temperatures.

Pit Boss Cedar Plank Salmon Ingredients

• Salmon – Skin-on fillets work best. Use wild-caught or farmed Atlantic salmon depending on availability.
• Olive Oil
• Butter – Cut into thin slices to place on top of the fillets.
• Lemon – Sliced for topping the fillets.
• Fresh Ground Garlic Salt
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• Fresh Parsley – Minced.
• Fresh Dill – Minced.

You will also need cedar planks for grilling. Soak them before use so they release steam and infuse the salmon without burning.

How To Use Cedar Planks

Soak cedar planks in a pan or sink of clean water for at least one to two hours before smoking.

Soaking prevents the planks from catching fire and helps keep the fish moist while it cooks. Remove the plank from the water and use it while still wet; place the salmon on it within 15 minutes. Pat the plank lightly with a paper towel if it seems excessively wet.

How To Make Pit Boss Cedar Plank Salmon

The preparation is straightforward: assemble the fillets on the soaked plank with oil, herbs, butter, and lemon, then smoke at low temperature until done.

Remove the salmon from its packaging and keep the skin on the fillets. If your fillet is large, cut it into serving pieces.

Lay each fillet skin-side down on the wet cedar plank. Rub both sides lightly with olive oil.

Slice lemon and mince fresh dill and parsley.

Slice butter into thin pieces — roughly one butter slice per lemon slice — and have salt and pepper ready.

Season the fillets with garlic salt and black pepper, sprinkle the minced dill and parsley evenly, then lay the butter slices on top and place a lemon slice over each butter piece.

How To Smoke Salmon On Cedar Plank

Preheat your pellet grill or smoker and maintain a steady low temperature. The smoking itself is mostly hands-off: place the plank with salmon in the smoker and monitor the smoker temperature and pellet supply.

Start your smoker and set the grill to 200°F to build smoke, then maintain a low, steady temperature. I used mesquite pellets for a stronger smoke flavor, but mild fruit woods like alder or apple are also excellent with salmon.

For this cook, I smoked at 200°F for one hour, then increased to 250°F for an additional hour. Adjust times based on fillet thickness and your smoker’s performance.

When the salmon reaches a safe internal temperature, remove and serve.

At What Temperature Is Salmon Done

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F for a food-safe finish. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet for an accurate reading.

Smoked Salmon Recipes

• Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon – A sweet rub combined with smoke creates a caramelized crust and rich flavor.
• Dill Smoked Salmon – Fresh dill pairs beautifully with smoked salmon on a cedar plank.
• Cedar Plank Smoked Salmon – Classic method with herbs, butter, and lemon for a moist, flavorful fillet.

How to Store Leftover Salmon

Store leftover smoked salmon in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight freezer bags or vacuum-seal them for up to three months.

Portion leftovers before freezing to make reheating easier; a food scale helps divide servings evenly.

Where To Buy Cedar Planks for Grilling

• Walmart cedar planks
• Wayfair cedar planks
• Home Depot cedar planks

Can Cedar Planks Be Reused

You can scrape and rinse a plank for reuse, but avoid soap. If a plank is heavily charred or retains an odd smell, discard it. Lightly used planks can be reused once if stored dry.

Salmon Recipes

Smoked salmon is versatile: serve it as the main course, or use leftovers in salads, dips, and sandwiches.

• Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon
• Brown Sugar Salmon Rub
• Salmon Salad
• Smoked Salmon Dip
• Dill Smoked Salmon
• Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank

What To Serve With Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon pairs well with many sides. Consider smoked baked potatoes, grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, creamy macaroni and cheese, or simple rice and greens. Smoked appetizers such as cream cheese or cheesy dips complement the meal nicely.

Pellet Smoker Recipes To Check Out

For more ideas, explore other pellet smoker recipes ranging from main courses to smoked sides and desserts. Pellet smokers are great for a wide variety of dishes cooked with consistent low heat and smoke.