Quick Answer
To make your own cedar planks for cooking, start by cutting cedar boards to size, then soak them in water for several hours to prevent burning. Next, prepare the planks by lightly sanding and applying a food-safe oil. Finally, season your food and place it on the planks for grilling.
Preparing the Planks
To begin, cut 1/2-inch thick cedar boards into planks of your desired size, taking care to avoid knots and other defects. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, but it can also be prone to warping. To minimize warping, cut planks with the grain, and use a miter saw or a hand saw with a fine-tooth blade. For a standard plank size, cut boards to 6-8 inches wide and 12-18 inches long.
Preparing the Planks for Cooking
After cutting and cleaning the planks, soak them in water for at least 2 hours before use. This step helps to prevent burning and promotes even cooking. To prepare the planks for cooking, lightly sand them with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters or rough edges. Then, apply a food-safe oil such as vegetable oil or coconut oil to the planks, making sure to cover the entire surface. This step helps to prevent the planks from burning and also promotes even cooking.
Grilling with Cedar Planks
When grilling with cedar planks, season your food as you normally would, then place it on the planks. For fish, a good rule of thumb is to cook at medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through. When cooking, make sure to close the grill lid to trap heat and allow the cedar planks to infuse the food with their signature flavor.
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