Print

Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon Recipe on Cedar Plank

brown sugar bourbon glazed salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled salmon recipe featuring a sticky, sweet brown sugar bourbon glaze cooked on a cedar plank for a smoky, flavorful finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), fresh or thawed
  • 1 cedar plank (12x6 inches), soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning and infuse smoky flavor.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and olive oil until smooth and pourable.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 350Β°F (175Β°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place fillets skin-side down on the soaked cedar plank.
  5. Brush a generous layer of the bourbon glaze all over the salmon, reserving some glaze for basting.
  6. Place the cedar plank with salmon directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  7. After the first 10 minutes, start basting the salmon with the remaining glaze every 5 minutes to build a sticky, caramelized coating.
  8. Check for doneness: salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125Β°F (52Β°C) for medium doneness.
  9. Remove the cedar plank from the grill carefully and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak the cedar plank for at least 1 hour or overnight to prevent burning and maximize smoky flavor. Use medium heat to avoid burning the glaze. Baste the salmon multiple times during cooking for a sticky, caramelized finish. If glaze burns, move plank to cooler part of grill or lower heat. Can bake on soaked cedar plank at 375Β°F for 20-25 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, bourbon glaze, brown sugar, cedar plank, grilled salmon, seafood, easy dinner, summer recipe