How To Grill With Cedar Planks?

Grilling with cedar planks adds a unique, aromatic flavor to your food. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grill with cedar planks:

1. Choose Your Cedar Planks:

Select untreated, food-grade cedar planks that are about 1/2-inch thick and long enough to fit your grill grate. Soak the cedar planks in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Soaking the planks prevents them from burning during grilling.

2. Prepare Your Ingredients:

Choose the proteins or vegetables you want to grill on the cedar planks. Salmon, chicken, vegetables, and tofu are all great options. Season your ingredients with salt, pepper, and any desired spices or marinade.

3. Preheat Your Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375°F). If using a charcoal grill, let the coals ash over and spread them evenly across the grill grate.

4. Place the Cedar Planks on the Grill:

Once the grill is preheated, place the soaked cedar planks directly on the grill grate. Leave some space between the planks so the heat can circulate properly.

5. Add Your Ingredients to the Planks:

After a few minutes, the planks will start to smoke and release their aromas. Place the seasoned ingredients on top of the cedar planks, ensuring they are centered and evenly distributed.

6. Close the Grill Lid:

Close the grill lid and let your ingredients cook for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of food you are grilling. Check periodically to make sure the planks aren't burning.

7. Enjoy Grilled Food with Cedar Plank Flavor:

Once your ingredients are cooked to your desired doneness, carefully lift the cedar planks off the grill and transfer the food to a plate. The food will have absorbed a hint of smoky cedar flavor. Serve and enjoy!

8. Clean Up:

After grilling, let the cedar planks cool down completely. Once cool, discard them as they are not reusable due to the high heat exposure. Clean the grill grate and grill as you would normally.

Remember, grilling times can vary depending on your grill and the thickness of the ingredients. Keep an eye on your food to avoid overcooking and enjoy your cedar-plank-grilled delicacies!