Vermont Smoky Maple Cedar Plank Salmon

Introduction

If you're looking for a show-stopping grilled salmon recipe packed with rich, smoky flavor, this Vermont Smoky Maple Cedar Plank Salmon delivers. The Arteflame grill brings out the very best in cedar plank salmon, giving it a perfect, even sear and a deep, smoky sweetness from the real maple glaze. Cooking on the Arteflame not only locks in the flavor and moisture, but it makes clean-up easy and grilling a joy.

Ingredients

• 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
• 1/3 cup Vermont maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oil-soaked napkins in the Arteflame grill's fire bowl.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is fully hot — you'll know it's ready when the flat cooktop is sizzling and the center grate is glowing.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together Vermont maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Set aside to use as glaze during cooking.

Step 3: Prep the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Brush the flesh side generously with the maple glaze.

Step 4: Grill the Salmon on the Cedar Plank

1. Place the soaked cedar plank on the flat Arteflame cooktop near the center heat zone to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
2. Carefully place the salmon fillets (skin-side down) on the hot plank.
3. Move the plank to a medium-hot area of the griddle cooktop where the heat is intense but not scorching.
4. Cover with a foil tent (optional) for extra smoke capture, or leave open to naturally infuse with the smoke.
5. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 4-5 minutes.
6. Remove the salmon when internal temperature reaches 125°F, as it will continue to cook to 140°F off heat.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes on the plank after removing it from the heat.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve directly from the plank for presentation.

Tips

• Always soak your cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning on the hot grill.
• Use the inner edge of the cooktop for higher, direct heat and the outer edge for gentle indirect cooking.
• Salmon is perfectly done at 140°F. Remove it from the Arteflame at 125°F to allow carryover cooking.
• Use butter instead of olive oil to brush the plank or salmon; this enhances flavor beautifully.
• The Arteflame’s flat cooktop ensures even cooking with no flare-ups, making this the perfect grill for delicate fish like salmon.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Salmon: Add 1 tsp sriracha or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a kick.
2. Citrus Maple Salmon: Mix in fresh orange zest and juice with the maple glaze.
3. Herbed Maple Salmon: Stir chopped fresh dill or rosemary into the glaze for an herby note.
4. Bourbon Maple Salmon: Add 1 tbsp of good-quality bourbon to the glaze for smoky sweetness.
5. Garlic Maple Butter Salmon: Mix roasted garlic into the butter before brushing it onto the salmon fillets.

Best pairings

• Grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
• Maple-glazed sweet potatoes or roasted root vegetables
• Mixed greens salad with apple slices and toasted pecans
• Crisp Chardonnay or a chilled Vermont craft cider
• Rustic sourdough bread grilled on the Arteflame cooktop

Conclusion

This Vermont Smoky Maple Cedar Plank Salmon is one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The taste of real maple syrup slowly caramelizing into the flaky, smoky salmon over an Arteflame grill is unforgettable. With virtually no cleanup and full use of your flat cooktop, this is a simple gourmet meal that’s as easy as it is elegant.