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Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon
SalmonDinnerHealthy Eating

Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (46 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 27g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 359 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 2 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless
  • salmon fillets
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Soak the cedar planks in warm water for 1 to 2 hours

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add a splash of bourbon to the water if desired

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Bring the pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in the sugar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 15 minutes

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Set the sauce aside

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories359 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein27gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates38gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat15gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon

This chef-curated Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 46 votes
Pepper-Honey Cedar Plank Salmon
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories18% DV
359 kcal
Protein54% DV
27g
Fat19% DV
15g
Carbs14% DV
38g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Salmon/CodSteelhead trout, halibut, or sea bass (baking times may vary)
Asparagus/VegZucchini slices, broccoli florets, or green beans (roast at same temperature)

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Soak the cedar planks in warm water for 1 to 2 hours

2

Technique & Execution: Add a splash of bourbon to the water if desired

3

Technique & Execution: Bring the pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat

4

Technique & Execution: Reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in the sugar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder

5

Technique & Execution: Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 15 minutes

15:00
6

Technique & Execution: Set the sauce aside

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a lid to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing cooked fish as it degrades the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?▼

Ensure your baking dish is lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper, and make sure the oven is fully preheated before cooking.

Can I make this recipe with frozen fish?▼

Yes. Thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel before adding seasonings.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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