Grilling Sockeye Salmon on a Cedar Plank is a very simple process that, if done correctly, can achieve some very tasty results.

Why Sockeye and Cedar?

How does Sockeye differ from other species of Salmon, and why is it so popular? Like the technique of cooking on a Cedar plank, Sockeye Salmon is native to the Northwest Pacific coast, and these two items have been successfully paired for hundreds of years.

Sockeye Salmon is particularly abundant in the state of Alaska. Most Alaskan Sockeye hails from the Copper River region. The nature of this species has never been conducive with the practice of Aquaculture or fish farming and so all available Sockeye Salmon is guaranteed to be wild-caught.

The fact that it is wild, low in fat and has an appetizing deep red color makes Sockeye one of the most popular species of salmon. Sockeye Salmon season is May through September so that is the time to get it while it’s fresh, although frozen Sockeye is fantastic and available year-round.

How to grill Sockeye Salmon on a Cedar plank

1. Soak the Cedar plank in hot water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill or oven to between 400°F and 450°F.
3. Remove any pin bones from the fish.
4. Season the salmon however you like, and place it on the plank skin side down.
5. Set the plank on the grill or in the oven and close the lid or door.
6. Cook to an internal temperature of at least 125°F. There is no need to turn it over.

This cooking process yields a fresh wood flavor that is created by moisture leaving the plank during cooking. These characteristic flavors are pulled from the wood and infused directly into the fish.

Some of our favorite recipes for Sockeye Salmon are Copper River Sockeye Salmon with Herb Compound Butter with Grilled VegetablesCedar Planked Gochujang Salmon Lettuce Wraps, and Cedar Planked Teriyaki Salmon.

 

Cherry Wrapped Chipotle Salmon with Mango Salsa

Fresh flavors are always welcome! This salmon/chipotle/mango combo is straight fire!Total Time: 30 minutesServings: 4 Ingredients: 1 lb. Salmon, cut into 4 portions 4 Cherry Grilling Wraps 1 Tbsp Oil 1 Tbsp Honey 1 Lime, zest and juice 1 tsp Smoked Paprika 1 tsp Onion...

Maple Candied Salmon

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Summer Salmon Bowl

Greek inspired seasonings and rich salmon are the perfect match for all the fresh veggies you can find. A very satisfying meal.Total Time: 30 minutesServings: 4 Ingredients: Cedar Grilling Planks 1 lb. Salmon Fillet Olive Oil 1 Lemon, sliced 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped...

Cherry Fire Glazed Cedar Planked Salmon

This gem of the sea is getting all dressed up in a sweet and spicy little number with a cherry fire glaze. We are going to the next level with some cedar smoke and then add a little zip with some juicy grilled lime action. Talk about dressed to impress…..Total Time:...

Boom Boom Salmon with Laksa

Laksa is a curry paste that hails from Singapore. It’s full of immune boosting ingredients like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lime. Our Boom Boom seasoning adds a kick of Szechuan chiles to the salmon that is gently cooked in a cedar wrap.Total Time: 1 hourServings: 4...

Oven Roasted Cedar Planked Salmon

Sometimes, firing up the grill just isn't in the cards. Cedar planked salmon works beautifully in your oven too!Total Time: 20 minutesServings: 4 Ingredients: Large Cedar Grilling Plank 1 (1½ -2 lb) Salmon fillet, skin on 1 Lemon, sliced Fresh Herbs - Parsley or Dill...

Cedar Wrapped Salmon with Shallots & Asparagus

Cedar wraps are a great way to jazz up a simple meal. This recipe includes some seasoning and just 3 ingredients. Couldn't be easier! Total Time: 25 minutesServings: 4 Ingredients: Cedar Grilling Wraps 4 6-8 oz Salmon Filets, skin and bones removed 2 Shallots, peeled...

Cedar Planked Togarashi Salmon with Nori Pesto

This unique dish can be paired with rice, pasta, soba noodles, or ramen. It’s incredibly flexible and packed with umami. Feel free to add poached eggs for an extra rich touch, or roasted vegetables to keep it healthy.Total Time: 30 minutesServings: 4 Ingredients:...

Open Fire Cedar Planked Salmon

Bottom line, a plank needs to be covered when cooked on a grill, it’s the only way to get heat on the top side. Here is a technique that will allow you to cook a plank on an open fire and still get adequate heat on your ingredients. Total Time:...

Cedar Planked Sockeye Salmon

Cedar, salmon, lemon, and dill were made to go together. This classic combination of flavors will always leave you satisfied and your guests wanting more. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for dinner anytime. Total Time: 20 minutesServings:...

Matt worked his first kitchen job in the country of Malta at the age of 15. He has worked as a restaurant Chef in Arizona, Maine, Spain, the UK, Oregon and finally North Idaho. Now the Executive Chef at Wildwood Grilling, he thoroughly enjoys his day job.