BBQ Tips

One of the many things we love about cooking with Heat Beads^® BBQ Briquettes is the versatility. This week we cover a grilling technique we haven’t really touched on in the past: plank grilling – a method of cooking that uses untreated wood to flavour and smoke foods. It was first developed for grilling fish as it ensures the fillets hold together on the BBQ, but you can put almost anything on planks for an authentic, smoky taste.

Here are our top 10 tips to plank grilling…

- Only use untreated wood (the most common are cedar, hickory, maple or alder – each adding a unique flavour to the food). Available in store or online from most BBQ retailers.

- Always soak the plank for 2-6 hours (some people soak their planks overnight) to ensure the wood stays moist and to prevent flare ups during the cooking process.

- It is not uncommon for a soaked plank to catch fire whilst cooking. Never leave your grill unattended and make sure you have a spray bottle of water handy to extinguish any flames.

- When you’re confident with your plank-grilling skills, take it up a notch and start soaking your planks in beer, wine, fruit juices or fresh herbs.

- Prepare the grill with your Heat Beads^® BBQ Briquettes for medium to high heat and begin by first placing the planks onto the grill, heating each side for about three minutes. Remember to lightly oil the cooking side of the plank to help prevent food from sticking.

- Use thinner planks for items that cook quickly (fish, veggies) and thicker planks for cooking larger pieces of meat (whole chicken, roasts, etc.).

- Planks can be reused (especially the thicker ones), but remember that the abundance of smoke will reduce the more times you use it.

- Foods cooked on a plank do not need to be turned.

- Ensure the plank is completely distinguished and safely put away before you sit down to enjoy your meal.

- Authour and plank-grilling extraordinaire, Ted Reader recommends beginners start with salmon. Why not try Bob Hart’s Cedar Planked Fresh Salmon?

- For general fish grilling tips, see our post on How to Grill Fish.

We know our readers will have tons of other plank grilling tips to share – let us know on Facebook, but don’t forget to LIKE us first!