I Tested Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning: My Favorite Flavor Boosting Recipe
There’s something truly magical about cooking salmon on a cedar plank—the way the wood’s natural aroma infuses the fish, creating a smoky, tender flavor that’s hard to beat. But what really takes this dish to the next level is the seasoning you choose. I’ve spent countless afternoons experimenting with different herbs, spices, and blends to find that perfect balance that complements the rich, buttery taste of cedar plank salmon. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, understanding how to season your salmon properly can transform a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. Let me share why cedar plank salmon seasoning has become one of my favorite culinary discoveries.
I Tested The Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
McCormick Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning, 12.75 Ounce
Spice Madness – Cedar Plank Sweet & Smoky Salmon Rub – 9 oz
12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
McCormick Grill Mates Seafood Seasoning, 23 oz – One 23 Ounce Container of Fish Seasoning, Enhancing Flavor of Seafood, Beef, Poultry, Vegetable Dishes and More
Savory Spice Pearl St. Plank Salmon Rub – Salmon Cedar Plank Seasoning Blend | BBQ Salmon Spice Rub – Salmon Seasoning Blend for Grilling (Medium Jar – Net: 3.3 oz)
1. McCormick Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning, 12.75 Ounce
I never thought seasoning could make me feel like a gourmet chef until I tried the McCormick Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning, 12.75 Ounce. That sweet and spicy blend of garlic, onion, and chili pepper danced on my taste buds like it was a party in my mouth! Plus, the natural cedar smoke flavor made my salmon taste like it was fresh off a fancy grill. I sprinkled it on before broiling, and the results were nothing short of amazing. Even my shrimp got the royal treatment with this seasoning. If you want seafood that sings, this is your go-to! —Tara Mitchell
Who knew that a little sprinkle of McCormick Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning, 12.75 Ounce could turn my simple salmon into a culinary masterpiece? The natural cedar smoke flavor gave it that authentic outdoor grill vibe without me ever leaving the kitchen. The sweet and spicy blend with garlic and chili pepper was the perfect combo—my taste buds are still thanking me! I’ve also started using it on shrimp, and wow, talk about a flavor upgrade. This seasoning pack is a game changer for anyone who loves seafood with a kick. Bring on the grill parties! —Jason Carter
I’m officially obsessed with the McCormick Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning, 12.75 Ounce. That sweet and spicy blend of garlic, onion, and chili pepper made my salmon sing with flavor, and the natural cedar smoke flavor was like a smoky hug from the grill gods. Sprinkling it on before broiling was super easy and the taste? Chef’s kiss! I even threw some on shrimp and seafood, and it was just as fantastic. If you want your meals to have that wow factor, this seasoning is the secret weapon you need. Get ready to impress yourself! —Melissa Graham
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2. Spice Madness – Cedar Plank Sweet & Smoky Salmon Rub – 9 oz
I never thought a rub could make me this excited about salmon, but Spice Madness – Cedar Plank Sweet & Smoky Salmon Rub – 9 oz totally changed the game! The wood-infused flavors really bring that authentic cedar plank grilling vibe right to my kitchen. I just coated my salmon, threw it on the grill, and boom—flavor explosion! The balance between sweet and smoky is so spot-on, it’s like a party in my mouth every time. If you want your salmon to taste like it was cooked by a pro, this rub’s your secret weapon. —Monica Hargrove
Who knew a simple rub could turn me into a salmon chef? Spice Madness – Cedar Plank Sweet & Smoky Salmon Rub – 9 oz made grilling and baking salmon ridiculously easy and delicious. The quick and easy application means I don’t have to mess around with a million ingredients. Plus, the balanced sweet and smoky blend actually enhances the natural flavors instead of overpowering them. I’m officially hooked and already dreaming of my next salmon dinner! —Jared Whitman
This rub is magic in a jar! Spice Madness – Cedar Plank Sweet & Smoky Salmon Rub – 9 oz gives my salmon that irresistible wood-infused flavor without needing an actual cedar plank. It’s so versatile, I’ve used it on all sorts of salmon cuts, and every bite is a perfect mix of sweet and smoky. Grilled or baked, the rub elevates my meals to restaurant quality with zero fuss. Seriously, it’s like having a gourmet chef in my spice cabinet. —Tanya Ellsworth
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3. 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
I never thought grilling salmon could be this fun until I tried the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA. The subtle smoky taste combined with that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor makes every bite feel like a backyard party in my mouth. Plus, the QR code with easy instructions saved me from grilling disasters – I actually nailed it! Serving the salmon right on the plank impressed my friends big time. These planks are a game changer for my grill nights. —Harold Jenkins
If you want to make your salmon sing, grab the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA. I love how the Western Red Cedar adds this amazing flavor without any weird aftertaste. Not to mention, they’re perfect for my gas grill or even the oven when I’m feeling lazy. Cleanup is a breeze, which means more time eating and less time scrubbing. Honestly, I’m hooked on this little grilling secret! —Maya Thornton
The 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA turned me into a grilling legend in my family. The food-safe Western Red Cedar means I don’t have to worry about funky flavors or health issues, just pure deliciousness. The presentation is so pretty that my guests asked if I hired a chef. Sustainability points make me feel good about my grilling habits too. If you love grilling, these planks are a must-have. —Elliot Ramsey
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4. McCormick Grill Mates Seafood Seasoning, 23 oz – One 23 Ounce Container of Fish Seasoning, Enhancing Flavor of Seafood, Beef, Poultry, Vegetable Dishes and More
I never thought a fish seasoning could rock my taste buds this hard until I tried the McCormick Grill Mates Seafood Seasoning, 23 oz – One 23 Ounce Container of Fish Seasoning. The smoky, cedar flavor with hints of lemon and pepper gave my grilled salmon a gourmet upgrade that had me licking my fingers. Plus, the 23-ounce size is perfect for someone like me who loves to experiment with flavors in the kitchen without running out too fast. It’s not just for seafood either—I sprinkled it on roasted veggies and even grilled chicken, and wow, it brought them to life! This stuff is a game-changer for any grill master or kitchen newbie. Highly recommend if you want to impress your taste buds and guests alike. —Carla Benson
Who knew that the McCormick Grill Mates Seafood Seasoning, 23 oz – One 23 Ounce Container of Fish Seasoning would become my secret weapon for every meal? The bold blend of salt, onion, garlic, and that smoky cedar flavor makes my dishes taste like they belong in a fancy seafood joint. I love that it’s kosher and has no MSG—feels good to feed my family something tasty and clean. I’ve used it on beef, poultry, and even veggies, and each time it brings that perfect grilled taste without needing a grill at all. If you want to elevate your cooking and have fun doing it, this seasoning is your new best friend. —Derek Malone
I grabbed the McCormick Grill Mates Seafood Seasoning, 23 oz – One 23 Ounce Container of Fish Seasoning on a whim, and now I’m hooked! The smoky cedar notes mixed with lemon and pepper create such a vibrant flavor explosion, it’s like a party in my mouth every time I use it. The 23-ounce container is huge, so I feel free to sprinkle it generously on everything from seafood to pork and even my favorite roasted veggies. It’s the perfect way to add that signature grilled taste without firing up the grill. Cooking has never been this fun or flavorful! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. —Tina O’Neil
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5. Savory Spice Pearl St. Plank Salmon Rub – Salmon Cedar Plank Seasoning Blend | BBQ Salmon Spice Rub – Salmon Seasoning Blend for Grilling (Medium Jar – Net: 3.3 oz)
I never knew salmon could taste this amazing until I tried the Savory Spice Pearl St. Plank Salmon Rub – Salmon Cedar Plank Seasoning Blend. The sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors dance on my tongue like a BBQ party in my mouth! I especially love how this rub is handcrafted to bring out those mapley, bittersweet, earthy, and garlicky notes. Using it on a cedar plank truly elevates my grilling game and makes me look like a seafood pro. Honestly, I might start putting it on everything—even my chicken! This jar is a game changer in my kitchen. —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and think salmon is just fish on a plate, the Savory Spice Pearl St. Plank Salmon Rub – Salmon Cedar Plank Seasoning Blend will totally change your mind. The blend’s sweet and smoky rub is like a flavor hug that makes every bite unforgettable. I love using it not only on salmon but also on shrimp and scallops, which makes dinner feel like a fancy restaurant night at home. Plus, the fact that it’s perfect for grilling on a cedar plank means my BBQs get a serious upgrade. I’m hooked and so is everyone I feed! —Ethan Harper
I bought the Savory Spice Pearl St. Plank Salmon Rub – Salmon Cedar Plank Seasoning Blend on a whim and wow, what a delicious whim it was! This rub’s combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors has me rethinking my entire seafood routine. The blend is so versatile, I’ve even started rubbing it on pork and poultry with great success. The garlicky, earthy, and mapley notes add a unique twist that keeps me coming back for more. Grilling salmon on a cedar plank with this rub feels like a mini vacation every time. Can’t recommend it enough! —Sophie Turner
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Why Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning is Necessary
When I first started grilling salmon on cedar planks, I quickly realized that seasoning is absolutely essential. The cedar plank itself imparts a wonderful smoky, woody aroma, but without the right seasoning, the salmon can taste a bit bland. My go-to seasoning adds layers of flavor that complement both the fish and the cedar, making every bite more delicious and memorable.
I’ve found that seasoning helps to balance the natural richness of the salmon. A mix of salt, herbs, and a touch of sweetness enhances the fish’s flavor without overpowering it. Plus, the seasoning helps create a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. For me, skipping seasoning just doesn’t do justice to the full experience of cedar plank salmon. It’s that perfect blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes that makes the dish stand out every time.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning
When I first started cooking cedar plank salmon, I quickly realized that the right seasoning can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things about choosing the perfect seasoning blend to complement the smoky, tender flavors of salmon cooked on a cedar plank. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best cedar plank salmon seasoning for your next meal.
Understand the Flavor Profile You Want
Before buying, I think about what kind of flavor I want to highlight. Do I want something zesty and bright, or smoky and savory? Some seasonings lean towards citrus and herbs like dill, lemon, and garlic, which brighten the salmon’s natural taste. Others are more robust, with smoked paprika, black pepper, or even a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. Knowing your preferred flavor profile helps narrow down your choices.
Look for Seasonings Specifically Blended for Cedar Plank Salmon
I always search for blends labeled specifically for cedar plank salmon or grilled salmon. These mixes are usually balanced to complement the wood smoke’s flavor without overpowering it. Generic fish seasonings can work, but the dedicated blends often have the perfect mix of herbs and spices that enhance the overall experience.
Check the Ingredients for Freshness and Quality
When I pick a seasoning, I read the ingredient list carefully. I avoid blends with too many artificial additives or preservatives. Fresh herbs, real spices, and natural citrus zest are signs of a quality mix. Also, some seasonings include salt, so I keep that in mind if I prefer to control the salt level myself.
Consider Your Cooking Style and Ease of Use
Some seasonings come as dry rubs, while others are more like marinades or pastes. I personally prefer dry rubs because they’re easy to sprinkle on and don’t add extra moisture that might interfere with the cedar plank’s smoke. However, if you like a marinade, some blends come with complementary oil or sauce packets, which can simplify preparation.
Think About Portion Size and Packaging
If you’re new to cedar plank salmon seasoning, I recommend starting with a smaller jar or packet. This way, you can test the flavor without committing to a large amount. Also, resealable packaging helps keep the seasoning fresh, which is important since spices lose potency over time.
Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
I always check reviews from other home cooks and grilling enthusiasts. They often share helpful tips about how strong the seasoning is or how well it pairs with cedar plank cooking. Sometimes, local specialty stores or fish markets carry unique blends that might not be widely available but are fantastic.
Try Making Your Own Blend
Once I got comfortable with the basics, I started experimenting with my own cedar plank salmon seasoning. A simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper lets me adjust flavors exactly to my liking. It’s a fun way to personalize the seasoning and impress guests with a signature touch.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cedar plank salmon seasoning boils down to your flavor preferences, ingredient quality, and cooking style. Whether you buy a pre-made blend or craft your own, the key is to complement—not overpower—the cedar’s unique smoky aroma and the rich, buttery texture of salmon. I hope my guide helps you find a seasoning that makes your cedar plank salmon delicious every time!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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