How to Use Cedar Planks
Cooking fish on a cedar plank infuses it with an unparalleled smoky flavor. Cedar-planked salmon, a specialty of the Pacific Northwest, is a classic dish; however, you can cook any type of fish, and even meats and vegetables, on a plank. You can use a cedar plank on the grill or in the oven. Before you cook with a cedar plank, soak it well to prevent it from bursting into flames. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place the cedar plank in the container and fill it with cold water. A large roasting pan is ideal; you can also use a cooler or just clean the kitchen sink, then fill it with water. If the container is plastic, make sure that it's food-grade, as any toxins in the plastic can leach into the plank during soaking.
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Place a weight on top of the plank to submerge it. A large can or a bottle of wine will work well. Soak the plank for at least three hours; you can soak it as long as 12 hours. Preheat the oven or start up the grill.
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Remove the plank from the water. Shake off excess water; rub olive oil into one side of the plank. Place the plank into the oven or on the grill, and let it sit for five minutes. This both warms up the plank and evaporates excess water from the surface.
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Place the fish, meat or vegetables onto the plank. Let it cook, keeping in mind that fish takes a few minutes longer to cook on a plank. Remove the food from the plank and place it in a serving dish. Carefully remove the plank from the oven and let it cool.
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Tips & Warnings
Try other types of plank as well: woods like alder, hickory and applewood impart their own unique flavors to food.
Make sure your cedar plank is marked as "untreated" or "food-grade."
Resources
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