If you are like most people, then you probably think of grilling something as you do with meat. But did you know that you will also grill vegetables and fruits? And that cedar planks are a great way to add extra flavor to your grilled goodies? Keep perusing to discover why you should be using cedar planks for your next grill session!
Grilling With Cedar Planks And Why It’s A Popular Choice For Cooking Food?
Cedar plank grilling is a popular way to cook food, especially seafood. The cedar plank imparts a subtle smoky flavor to the food, without being too overwhelming.
There are many reasons why cedar plank grilling is a popular choice, including the following:
- Cedar planks are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
- They are easy to use and don’t require any special equipment.
- Cedar planks can be used on both gas and charcoal grills.
- You can reuse cedar planks multiple times before they need to be replaced.
- It’s a healthy way to cook since there’s no need to add extra fat or oil.
- Grilling with cedar planks is fun and easy!
If you are peeking for a unique way to grill your food, then cedar plank grilling is definitely worth trying. You’ll be shocked at how easy it’s and how much flavor it adds to your food!
Tips On How To Grill With Cedar Planks For Best Results!
For the best results, it’s important to follow a few simple tips when grilling with cedar planks. Here are a few things to keep in mind!
1. Choose The Right Type Of Cedar Plank.
Look for planks that are at least 1″ thick and 6″ wide. Avoid planks that are cracked or splitting. It’s also a good idea to buy planks that are already pressure-treated, so you don’t have to do it yourself.
There are many different types of cedar planks available, so take your time to find the right one for your needs.
2. Soak The Cedar Plank In The Water For At Least 30 Minutes.
This will prevent the plank from burning when it’s placed on the grill. When soaking, make sure the plank is completely submerged in water.
You can also soak the plank in wine, beer, or apple cider for extra flavor. On the other way, if you hurry, you can skip this step altogether.
3. Preheat The Grill To Medium-High Heat Before Adding The Cedar Plank.
You want the grill to be nice and hot before adding the food so that it cooks evenly. For gas grills, preheat to about 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are covered with gray ash. Also, make sure to oil the grates before adding the plank. This will prevent the food from sticking.
4. Place The Cedar Plank On The Grill And Close The Lid.
Let the plank cook for a few minutes before adding the food. It imparts flavor. Closing the lid will also help to keep the heat in and prevent the plank from burning. You’ll know the plank is ready when it starts to smoke.
5. When You’re Ready To Add The Food, Make Sure It’s Dry And Not Too Wet.
Wet food can cause the cedar plank to smoke and catch on fire. If the food is too dry, it’ll stick to the plank and be hard to remove. With seafood, it’s best to use skinless, boneless fillets.
For vegetables, cut them into pieces that all are about the same size. It’s also a good idea to brush the food with oil before adding it to the plank.
6. Place The Food On The Cedar Plank And Close The Lid Of The Grill.
Cook the food according to your recipe or until it’s cooked through. Most seafood only takes a few minutes to cook. For vegetables, it will take longer, depending on the type of vegetable and how thick it is.
7. When The Food Is Cooked, Remove It From The Cedar Plank And Serve Immediately.
Don’t forget to enjoy that entire amazing flavor! It is important to note that you can only reuse the cedar plank a few times before it needs to be replaced. When the plank starts to get too dark or charred, it’s time to get a new one.
8. After You’re Done Grilling, Let The Cedar Plank Cool Completely Before Removing It From The Grill.
You can then soak it in water again and store it for future use. When you’re ready to use it again, just follow the same steps as before. Also, make sure to clean the grill before using it again.
9. Don’t Throw Away Your Used Cedar Plank!
You can reuse it lot of times before it needs to be replaced. It is a great way to add flavor to your food without having to spend a lot of money.
10. Grilling With Cedar Planks Is A Great Way To Add Flavor To Your Food.
So keep going and give it a try! You won’t be disappointed. Man, I am really hungry now.
Benefits Of Using Cedar Plank Grilling!
In addition to being a great way to add flavor to your food, there are also many benefits to grilling with cedar planks. Cedar plank grilling is a beneficial way to cook your food. However, below are some other benefits:
1. It Imparts A Great Flavor.
The flavor of cedar is not overpowering, but it’s definitely there. It’s a very subtle flavor that goes well with just about anything. You can also soak the cedar plank in wine, beer, or apple cider for extra flavor.
2. Cedar Plank Grilling Is Very Healthy.
When you grill with cedar planks, there is no need to use any oils or butter. This makes it a very healthy way to cook your food. It’s also a low-fat way to cook, as the fat drips off the food and into the grill.
3. Cedar Plank Grilling Is Very Easy.
All you essential is a cedar plank, some food, and a grill. It’s as simple as that! When you’re done grilling, just soak the plank in water and store it for future use. It’s really that easy.
4. Cedar Plank Grilling Is Versatile.
You can use cedar planks to grill just about anything. Seafood, chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables all taste great when cooked on a cedar plank. Some people even use cedar planks to smoke cheese! You will also love this post on how to make grilled chicken every time!
5. Cedar Plank Grilling Is Fun!
Grilling with cedar planks is a great way to entertain guests. Everyone will enjoy the amazing flavor of your food. Your guests will also be impressed with your grilling skills. Just make sure you have enough cedar planks for everyone!
6. Cedar Plank Grilling Is Affordable.
Cedar planks are very affordable and can be found at most home improvement stores. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started with cedar plank grilling. Just a few dollars will get you everything you need. You can also buy cedar planks here.
7. Cedar Plank Grilling Is Environmentally Friendly.
When you’re done grilling with your cedar plank, you can simply soak it in water and reuse it multiple times. Once it’s finally time to replace it, the cedar plank can be composted or recycled.
Safety Tips On Using Cedar Planks For Grilling!
While cedar plank grilling is a great way to add flavor to your food, there are a few safety tips you should bear in mind. Now, I’m not saying that cedar plank grilling is dangerous.
But, as with any type of grilling, there are always some safety risks involved. Let’s take a look at a few safety tips you should keep in mind when grilling with cedar planks.
1. Don’t Soak Your Cedar Plank For Too Long.
You should only soak your cedar plank for 30 minutes to an hour. If you soak it for too long, the plank can become waterlogged and may even disintegrate.
It’s also essential to make sure you soak your plank in water before you use it. This will help prevent the plank from igniting on the grill.
2. Don’t Use Treated Lumber.
Only use untreated cedar lumber for grilling. Treated lumber has chemicals that can be released into the air when heated, which can be dangerous to your health.
3. Don’t Use A Cedar Plank That’s Too Thin.
Using a thin cedar plank is dangerous because it can easily catch fire. It’s also more likely to break or disintegrate on the grill.
4. Don’t Put Your Cedar Plank On The Grill Until It’s Ready.
You need to make sure the grill is hot enough before placing the cedar plank on it. If you put the plank on too early, it will absorb all the heat and won’t cook your food properly.
5. Don’t Use Too Much Lighter Fluid.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, don’t use too much lighter fluid. The chemicals in the lighter fluid often stay on the food, even after cooking.
It’s also important to make sure the charcoal is completely extinguished before removing the cedar plank.
Conclusion
Cedar plank grilling is a superb way to infuse your food with a delicious smoky flavor. The planks are also very healthy, as they don’t release any carcinogenic compounds when heated. Not only are cedar plank grills easy to use and maintain, but they make your food look beautiful too.
If you’re looking for a way to take your grilled meals to the next level, consider using cedar planking! Have you ever tried cooking on cedar planking? What did you think? Let me know at GrillCharms!
In fact, my grilling experience stems from even before that, when I used to watch my father grill outdoors. Some of my favorite memories growing up were surrounding the grill in the backyard, or a portable grill on the beach or in the park.
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