How to Cook Perfect Cedar Plank Salmon in the Oven

Cedar plank salmon baked in the oven is a foolproof way to prepare incredibly moist, flavorful salmon with a subtle smoky aroma. While grilling plank salmon on a barbecue is ideal in the summer, turning to the oven is a great alternative when the weather is too cold or rainy to cook outdoors.

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank not only infuses it with a delicate woodsy flavor but it also keeps the fish moist and tender. The cedar planks act as a barrier between the fish and the oven rack preventing the salmon from drying out. While grilling purists may insist that planking salmon in the oven won’t yield the same smoky depth of flavor, home cooks who have tried this recipe will assure you that the oven method produces exceptional results, and is much easier than setting up and monitoring a grill.

These steps will help you cook the best cedar plank salmon in the oven. They include how to prepare the plank, how to plank the salmon, how to season it, how long to cook it at each temperature, and how to serve it.

Benefits of Planked Salmon

There are several advantages to oven-baking salmon on a cedar plank:

• Infuses salmon with subtle, smoky cedar flavor
• Salmon cooks evenly due to direct contact with the heated plank
• No need to flip the fillets during cooking
• Plank prevents salmon from drying out
• Easy cleanup – no pans to scrub!

Cedar Planking Tips

Use untreated cedar planks to avoid any unpleasant chemical odors. Look for planks about 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches wider than the salmon fillets.

Soak the plank in water for at least one hour before cooking. This prevents the plank from burning in the oven. Some chefs recommend soaking planks for up to 24 hours.

Choose planks that still have a bit of natural curve to them to allow steam to circulate underneath while cooking. Flat planks won’t impart as much flavor.

Reusable planks will last for 3-5 uses if scrubbed clean after each use. Discard planks if they become overly charred or dried out.

Planked Salmon Oven Directions

Step 1 – Prepare Plank

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

Step 2 – Preheat Oven & Plank

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

Step 3 – Prepare Salmon

Pat dry salmon fillets and brush lightly with oil. Sprinkle with desired seasonings.

Step 4 – Bake Salmon

Place seasoned salmon, skin side down, on hot plank.

Bake 15-18 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets. Bake 20-25 minutes for 1 1/2-inch thick fillets. Salmon should be just opaque and still slightly translucent in the center when done.

Step 5 – Rest & Serve

Transfer plank with salmon to a heatproof surface. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes. The salmon will continue cooking. Serve salmon on the plank for presentation.

Planking Prep Tips

• Choose wild-caught salmon over farmed for better flavor, texture, and nutrition. Go for thicker center-cut fillets for more even cooking.

• Brine salmon briefly in a saltwater solution before planking to firm up the flesh.

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

• Pat fillets very dry before seasoning so flavors adhere better.

• Oil the plank lightly rather than the fish so seasonings will stick.

Oven Planked Salmon Tips

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

• Arrange fillets toward the center of the plank so they don’t risk drying out on the edges.

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

• Resist opening the oven door to peek until the minimum cook time has passed.

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

• Let salmon rest before serving for juicier texture. A meat thermometer should read 135°F.

Top Salmon Seasonings

One of the beauties of salmon is that it pairs well with so many flavors. Use dry seasoning rubs or brush with flavorful liquids like marinades, pesto, or glazes. Here are some tasty seasoning options:

• Lemon pepper, dill, paprika, garlic powder
• Chili powder, brown sugar, lime zest
• Teriyaki marinade or maple syrup glaze
• Pesto, chutney, or salsa
• Cajun seasoning or blackening spices

Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, chives, or parsley are also excellent choices. Try flavored butters too.

Serving Suggestions

Easy oven-planked salmon takes center stage, but what about the sides? Here are some complementary dishes to serve alongside:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Wild rice pilaf or quinoa
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Salad greens with citrus vinaigrette
• Sauteed spinach with garlic
• Fruit salsa or grilled peach slices

Don’t forget the sauces! Creamy dill sauce, hollandaise, and pesto or chimichurri sauce pair beautifully with salmon.

For special occasions, present the salmon on the cedar plank for serving. For more casual meals, gently slide salmon fillets off the plank onto dinner plates.

Oven-Planked Salmon FAQs

Got questions about how to plank salmon in the oven? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What kind of wood do you use to plank salmon?

Cedar and alder are the most popular woods for planking salmon due to their mild, sweet flavors. Avoid pine, which can impart a strong, bitter taste. Oak and maple are other possible options.

How long do you bake salmon on a cedar plank?

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

At what temperature do you bake salmon on a plank?

Preheat your oven to 375°F to 400°F before planking. The hot plank will sear the fish and infuse flavor.

Can you reuse cedar planks for cooking?

Yes, with proper care between uses, most planks can be reused 3-5 times. Avoid burning the wood. Hand wash and dry thoroughly after use.

Should you soak salmon before planking?

Some chefs recommend soaking 10-15 minutes in brine or buttermilk before planking. This seasons the flesh and firms it up so it holds together better.

What oven rack position do you use?

Place planked salmon on middle rack position for best heat circulation. You want it fully exposed to oven heat, not too close to the broiler.

Do you flip salmon on a plank while cooking?

No need to flip. Salmon cooks from contact with the hot plank below. Baste with glaze or oil if desired.

Get Planking!

Now that you know the ins and outs of how to cook cedar plank salmon in the oven, it’s time to start planking! Baked salmon is a great choice for easy summer meals, date nights, or dinner parties.

Experiment with different wood types, seasoning blends, and sauce pairings. Cedar-planked salmon also makes fantastic appetizers or sandwiches. Serve leftovers chilled in salads or salmon cakes.

Once you master the oven method, be sure to try grilling planked salmon outside on a pre-heated cedar plank for maximum smoky flavor. Delicious salmon worth sharing is just a simple plank away!