Grilling with Wood Planks

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

27 Sep 2007 06:20 AM

It may be fall, but if the weather's nice it's still grilling season in my book.

Speaking of...the other day I was in the Fresh Market getting some fish to grill for Wayne and myself for dinner. They had a stack of smaller wood grilling planks on the counter.

I've seen the longer ones and had considered trying them, but I figured I'd only use them with fish and that poses a problem. Wayne prefers salmon and I can't eat it anymore. (I used to be able to, but about 10 years ago I developed an intolerance and now I get a very upset stomach if I try.) No sense getting a larger plank; I fear I'd contaminate my fish choice and have to suffer the consequences!

Well, these little planks were individual-sized. Four to a set. Perfect! And they were inexpensive, only $10. Even better! (Some of the full-sized wood planks can run $25 or better.)

I was a bit apprehensive grilling with them since I'd never actually seen anyone do it, but I gave them a go to see if they'd infuse our fish with rich, smoky flavor. They did. Sort of. Not as much as I thought they would, but they did add a nice woodsy undertone.

However, planks are a bit of work.

Preparing the Wood Plank for Grilling

Since they are made of wood and wood burns, you can't just pop the food on them and place them right on the grill. You have to soak them in water first. Four hours is a good rule of thumb for a minimum, overnight for a maximum.

You know another thing wood does besides burn? Yep, it floats. Use something like a plastic bowl filled with water to weigh them down during soaking.

Once they're soaked, you can either use a grill cooking spray or brush on some olive oil so whatever you're going to grill doesn't stick.

How to Use

The instructions on my planks suggested first heating the grill to 350-400 degrees and then placing the planks on the grate for 3-4 minutes. Next, place the food (you can cook anything on them --pork, steak, fish, chicken, even veggies) on the side that was facing the flames.

Oh, and it helps to keep the planks about five inches or so above the flame.

That's it. Grill the same time you normally would for whatever you're preparing.

How to Clean

Nothing fancier than soap and water is required.

Types of Wood Planks

I bought cedar, but they're also made from oak, maple, cherry, or apple woods.

Note: Health Concerns

Look for untreated wood planks to purchase. Treated wood can release harmful carcinogenic chemicals into your food.

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Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

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