This is a different Pacific Northwest method of cooking Salmon. And yes the preferred plank is cedar. I have both.

Brush the alder plank with olive oil. Heat the plank in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Rub the flesh side of the salmon with olive oil, season with the salt and pepper. Add a few slabs of butter dabs and some chopped garlic.

Place on the plank and cook for 5 minutes (400 degrees.) Turn the salmon over and cook for another five minutes.

Mix the remaining butter with the chopped capers, parsley and orange or lemon zest. Mix. Add the sun dried tomatoes last. Glaze the salmon with this butter.

One four or five pound salmon fillets/ or steaks
1/2 tsp. mixed red and black pepper
(I also use some lemon pepper)
1 tsp. Kosher or good salt
2 -3 Tbsp. chopped parsley
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp. Chopped capers.
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic (or more)
2 Tbsp. orange or lemon zest
1/4 cup olive oil
An alder plank

Options, dill or any of your own personal favorites.

If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?