Bar and Grill Man’s Blog

Grilling planks

Many people have questions on techniques to use Grilling Planks. At Bar and Grill Man we have used grilling planks hundreds of times and have found the following approach to be the best to get amazing flavor, moist food, with simple steps.

 Grill Plank Tips:

 1. Have a squirt bottle on hand, this will ensure you can put out your plank if it starts on fire. (If you don’t watch your plank, it may start on fire.)

2. Keeping the grill lid down will lock in more flavor, and ensures a more of a smoky flavor.

  3. Essential to soak - really soak cooking planks a long time before cooking to ensure that your planks will hold up and a provide a better smoky flavor. (Soak times are mentioned in the steps to using cooking planks; as you become more comfortable with soaking, experiment with ingredients for your own twists.)

4. Use a can to weigh down the plank to ensure it is fully submersed in water.

Additional information to getting the best flavor from your Grilling Planks

 1. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PLANKS ARE FOR COOKING! Many woods are treated with chemicals to prevent mold, rot and insects, these chemicals are not meant to be consumed and are very dangerous. If you are going to buy cooking planks make sure you buy it from a company that specializes in planks (i.ewww.barandgrillman.com offers great Grilling Planks at a great price, my only plug in this posting). Also, certain wood types work better for plank grilling.)

2. Soak the Plank in water for a minimum of 2-4 hours, I like to soak my cedar planks for 12-18 hours. The longer you soak the more smoky flavor you will have and less chance of the cedar plank starting on fire. Simply put the plank in a large baking dish and put a canned food jar on top of the plank until it is fully emerged in water.

3. Pre heat your grill to about 300 to 350 degrees. Put the plank on the grill for about 3 minutes on each side to dry off the plank. Remove the plank and brush lightly with olive oil on both sides.

4. Put the plank on the grill and salt it with Sea Salt ( Sea Salt give a much better flavor with meat). Put the item that you are grilling on the plank and meat, then close the lid. You will see a lot of smoke that will be produced by the plank, if you see too much smoke it is a good indicator that your plank may be on fire, watch it closely. If you have flare up on the plank, don’t worry it is normal, simply use your squirt bottle and spray the area that is on fire ( don’t spray the meat)
 
5. Check your meat or fish for your desired doneness, take off the plank and enjoy. Your cook times are going to be about the same as it would be if it was on the grill. I find that it can take a little longer than normal.

Also, if you want to try and reuse the plank soak the plank in water right away after taking off the grill.