A Beginner’s Guide to Cedar Plank Grilling
Updated: Apr. 17, 2020
Cedar plank grilling is a great skill for any griller. Our Test Kitchen experts will teach you the basics with this step-by-step guide
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Bright glowing coal, a flickering flame and the satisfying sizzle of meat. For many people, these are the signs a grilling session is in full swing. Folks from the Pacific Northwest, however, will tell you there’s another cue: the smell of charred cedar. Growing up just outside Seattle, I’d spend cool summer evenings sitting on the patio watching my father grill salmon directly on a wooden plank. The smoked cedar would stick to my clothes for days, but it was worth it for the delicious family dinners.
Now that I’m older, I realized that I inherited zero grill skills from my pop. Looking to recreate this nostalgic technique in my own backyard, I asked expert food editor (and resident grill master) James Schend to break it down to the basics:
What Is Plank Grilling?
Plank grilling, also known as planking, is a method in which food is placed on a wooden board that has been set over indirect heat on a grill. It’s the best way to ensure that your dish gets a deep, wood-smoked flavor. Plank grilling totally beats out the standard woodchip routine because the skin of your fish (or chicken or veggies) directly contacts the charred plank. That being said, the flavor will vary depending on the type of wood you choose.
What Can You Make on a Cedar Plank?
When it comes to cedar plank grilling, fish is the most common pairing, however, you can grill nearly any protein or veggie with a plank. Try grilling steaks, chicken, pork, tofu or a handful of vegetables. Be sure to keep different meats on separate planks. Veggies of all kinds can share a plank, but don’t let veggies and meats share one.
How to Choose the Right Plank
Many cooking stores will sell pre-cut wood planks made especially for plank grilling. The flavor is up to you. Cedar, cherry, hickory, pecan, maple, apple and alder work well. Cedar planks, however, are the most popular.
When it comes to choosing planks based on flavor, think of some of your favorite proteins, like hickory-smoked salmon or applewood-smoked bacon. Those will give you some ideas on the flavors you may like. If you’re unsure, invest in a variety pack of planks and do some experimenting.
Wait, Won’t the Wood Catch on Fire?
It doesn’t take a veteran griller to realize that wood burns over an open flame. Before you fire up the grill, you’ll need to treat the plank to a long soak in water. This helps prevent the wood from catching on fire while you cook. You’ll still need to watch for occasional flare-ups, so take precautions and keep a water bottle handy while you grill.
Can You Reuse the Plank?
When it comes to reusing planks, it depends on the condition of the plank after grilling. If the cedar plank is thoroughly charred, you’re best scrapping it and starting fresh next time.
If you find that the plank is still in good condition (not a lot of char), you can reuse it according to Wildwood Grilling. Wash the plank with hot water (don’t use soap, though) and store in the freezer. Be sure to use that plank with the same protein or ingredients the next time you grill. So use that trout plank for fish every time and your veggie plank with veggies next time, too.
How to Make Plank-Grilled Fish
If you’re looking to start cedar plank grilling, start with a good recipe. This plank-grilled trout recipe is a favorite in our Test Kitchen.
You’ll need:
- 2 grilling planks
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
- 4 teaspoons each minced fresh basil, cilantro and parsley
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 trout fillets (6 ounces each)
Step 1: Prepare the Planks
Before we begin, examine the planks to make sure they’re splinter-free. See a few pointy sticklers? Don’t panic. Give the wood a quick brush with sandpaper until smooth.
Now it’s tub time for your planks. Soak the boards in water for at least one hour (though three or four is better). The best way to soak your planks is to submerge the wood in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan. Use a heavy can to keep them from floating. Flip occasionally to make sure they’re evenly soaked.
Test Kitchen tip: For more flavor, try adding wine or apple juice to the water.
Meanwhile, combine butter, ginger, herbs, honey, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a small bowl. This is what we’ll use to coat the trout.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Let’s get grilling. You’ll want to prepare one side of the grill for direct heat and the other side for indirect. If you’re working with charcoal, use a chimney starter to corral your hot coals on one side of the grill. Direct heat means the zone above the coals.
Place your pre-soaked planks on the grill over direct medium heat. (For charcoal, you’ll know it’s reached medium heat if you can comfortably hold your hand five inches away from the grill for five to seven seconds.) Cover and let the plank heat for three minutes. Some light smoke should begin to emerge from the wood. You’ll know it’s ready when the plank begins to blacken
Test Kitchen tip: Slightly charring the planks gives the dish a deeper flavor. Prefer your wood less toasty? Skip this step and begin cooking over indirect heat.
Step 3: Grill the Fish
Using a pair of long-armed tongs, carefully flip the planks over so the blackened side faces upward. Move the planks to indirect heat.
Spread the ginger-herb spread over the flesh side of the fillets. Then place the fish on the planks, skin side down. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Test Kitchen tip: Resist the urge to flip the fish after you’ve set it on the plank. Close the lid, sit back and let it cook.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Your tender, smoky fish is ready for its debut. Transfer the planks to a pretty platter and serve. Your guests will be impressed by the plating-but they’ll love the flavor even more. One bite and you’ll want to plank grill all year round.
Even More Ways to Love Plank Grilling
Don’t limit yourself to trout. Most sturdy fish are great for plank grilling. Try salmon, bluefish, swordfish or wild striped bass. Looking for more? You can also grill chicken, pork, scallops and veggies on the plank, too.
Time to move on to the next course. Wrap up your meal with one of our top 10 grilled desserts.
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I love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
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Your fresh catch will taste even better with this simple treatment that keeps the fish moist. Carrots are an excellent accompaniment; cook up in a separate foil packet. —Wendy McGowan, Fontana, California
