Aldi Cedar Plank Salmon Recipe
Aldi Cedar Plank Salmon is a smoky, tender, and impressively simple dish that transforms basic salmon fillets into restaurant-worthy fare. The cedar plank infuses the fish with a subtle woodsy aroma while locking in moisture during grilling. With just a few ingredients from Aldi, this protein-rich meal is perfect for BBQ nights, weeknight dinners, or nutritious meal prep.
- 2 Aldi salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
- 1 cedar grilling plank (available at Aldi or local stores)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh dill or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Submerge the cedar plank in water and let it soak for at least 1 hour. Place a heavy object on top to keep it submerged.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper to form a glaze.
- Step 3: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the top of each fillet with the glaze. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F (190°C). Once the plank is soaked, place it directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and preheat the plank for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Carefully open the grill and place the salmon fillets on the preheated plank, skin-side down. Close the lid and grill for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Use tongs or a spatula to remove the plank from the grill. Rest the salmon for 2-3 minutes before serving with lemon slices or dill if desired.
Notes
- Soaking the cedar plank is essential to prevent it from catching fire and to create steam during cooking.
- The Dijon-lemon glaze adds brightness and helps the fish caramelize slightly.
- If using a gas grill, keep one burner off and place the plank over indirect heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy cold over salad or reheated gently.
- This dish pairs beautifully with asparagus, quinoa, or a mixed greens salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon from Aldi?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and grilling.
Do I have to use a cedar plank?
The plank adds flavor, but you can grill the salmon directly or bake it if needed.
Can I bake this in the oven with a cedar plank?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes using the soaked plank on a baking sheet.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I reuse the cedar plank?
Only if it’s not too charred or cracked. Scrub clean and reuse up to 2-3 times.