Cooking 101: Cedar Plank Grilling

1. IMMERSE plank in water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. You may have to weigh it down with a soup can.

2. PREHEAT grill to medium heat. Using a barbecue or pastry brush, brush one side of plank with vegetable oil. This will help prevent food from sticking to wood. Top plank with meat; place on center of grill grate. Close lid.

3. GRILL to desired doneness. Check back occasionally to ensure cedar plank doesn’t flare up. Spritz any flames with a water bottle if necessary.

4. BRUSH meat or fish with barbecue sauce during last 20 minutes of grilling time.

5. REMOVE meat from plank and turn off grill. Let plank cool on grill grate before removing.

Plank Grilling Basics Video  

Plank Basics

• Buy untreated cedar planks at your local grocery, specialty food or hardware store. It should measure about 14 x 7 x 1 in.
• Be sure to purchase untreated planks to avoid chemical contamination of food.
• You don’t have to limit yourself to cedar. Try untreated oak, maple, cherry or apple wood planks for different flavors.