It’s summer and you’ve been cooking outside for 3 months.  There’s nothing wrong with the end result of your grill cooking, but you want to level up, you’re looking for a new flavor or you just want to expand your techniques.  You know what you need?  A Cedar Plank.  It’s not expensive, but it sure is luxurious. 

The Cedar Plank will add a smoky-savory flavor without adding extra calories.  The method dates back to Native American tribes where they cooked on cedar planks as a way of securing the meat, so it didn’t fall into the fire, but also add great flavor.  If you apply their thinking to other seafood and shellfish, cooking shrimp and scallops is a breeze when using the Cedar Plank on the grill.

5 Easy Tips to Start Cooking with a Cedar Plank

• Soak the board for at least an hour before adding it to the hot grill.  This will prevent burning.
• Spray the plank with avocado or olive oil before you start cooking.  This will allow the fish or meat to release easily.
• You can dress up your food while it’s cooking on the plank, without fear of the sauce leaking through the grill.  Slather on that chimichurri or BBQ sauce!
• When cooking with salmon, start with the skin facing down on the Cedar Plank.  The skin can be removed once the salmon is done by sliding a spatula or knife between the skin and flesh of the salmon. 
• Cedar pairs best with seafood, vegetables, tofu, and pork chops, but you can check out more flavors from our favorite brand, Wildwood Grilling
  

There are no hard and fast rules about using your plank.   Vegetables such as asparagus, eggplant or broccoli and fruit such as peaches or pineapple can be cooked on the plank.

How do I clean my Cedar Plank?
Cedar Planks are made for one time use (wah-wah) especially if the plank is thoroughly charred.  If your plank isn’t charred completely, rinse it with hot water and scrap off the bits of food.  Do not use soap.  Store it in the freezer.  The next time you use it, make sure you are cooking the same protein.

Now that you’re a seasoned cedar plank user, lets get cooking. 

Try Our Much Loved Cedar Plank-Grilled Lemon Dill Salmon

Ingredients:

You will need (2) 6 oz portions of Fish Fixe Salmon 

• 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil 
• minced garlic
• fresh minced dill⁠
• 1/4 tsp of lemon zest⁠
• salt + pepper
  

Directions: 

• Soak untreated cedar plank in water for at least an hour 
• Mix all the ingredients together and brush over the salmon
• Place your pre-soaked plank on the hot grill and close lid
• Once your plank begins to smoke (about 5 minutes), place the salmon filets (skin side down) onto the plank
• Discard the marinade⁠
• Close the lid of the grill and cook for about 20 minutes or until the salmon begins to flake with a fork
• The internal temperature of the salmon should be between 125-230º when you remove it from the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes on the plank, as it will continue cooking
• Serve with a lemon slice and your favorite side!
  

Notes: We roasted brussels and potatoes in the oven while we were watching the grill.