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Welcome to the Pacific Northwest, where the flavors of the wild are celebrated through cedar plank cooking. This unique cooking technique involves grilling food on untreated cedar planks, resulting in a smoky, earthy flavor that perfectly complements Pacific Northwest cuisine.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of cedar plank cooking, from selecting the right cedar plank to preparing and grilling your food. We’ll also provide you with some delicious Pacific Northwest cedar plank recipes, wine pairings, and expert tips to make your cedar plank cooking experience a success. Let’s get started!
What is Cedar Plank Cooking?
Cedar plank cooking is a popular cooking method in the Pacific Northwest, known for its unique and flavorful results. This cooking style involves placing food on a cedar plank and grilling it over an open flame or baking it in the oven. The use of cedar planks for cooking has been a longstanding tradition of indigenous people in the region, with the process now being adopted by chefs and home cooks alike.
What are the Benefits of Cedar Plank Cooking?
Using cedar planks for cooking provides several advantages. Firstly, it imparts a smoky and aromatic flavor to the food, adding a unique taste that cannot be achieved by other cooking methods. Additionally, the cedar plank helps to keep the food moist and tender, preventing it from drying out during the cooking process.
Another benefit of using cedar planks for cooking is that it adds an attractive visual element to the dish. The natural wood grain of the cedar plank creates a beautiful and rustic presentation, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties and special occasions.
Overall, cedar plank cooking is a flavorful and healthy cooking option that is easy to prepare and perfect for showcasing the natural flavors of Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Why Cedar Planks?
Cedar plank cooking is a unique and flavorful way to prepare food, particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest. The benefits of using cedar planks for cooking are numerous, from enhancing the taste of the food to keeping it moist and tender.
Using cedar planks helps infuse food with a subtle smoky flavor, perfect for grilling fish and seafood, which are Pacific Northwest staples. Cedar planks also prevent the food from sticking to the grill or burning, making it easier to cook and reducing the chances of overcooking or undercooking.
Another advantage of cedar planks is that they help retain moisture during the cooking process, creating a steamy environment and keeping the food juicy and tender without adding extra oils or fats. This is especially helpful when cooking lean fish or vegetables that tend to dry out quickly on the grill.
Choosing the Right Cedar Plank
When it comes to cedar plank cooking, selecting the right plank is essential for achieving optimal results. It is important to choose untreated cedar planks to avoid any chemicals or additives that may alter the taste of the food.
Another consideration when choosing cedar planks is the size. The planks should be large enough to accommodate the size of the food being cooked, but not so large that they don’t fit on the grill.
Most cedar planks come in standard sizes, ranging from 11×7 inches to 15×8 inches. If you’re unsure which size to choose, it’s best to opt for a larger plank as it can always be trimmed down to the appropriate size.
Overall, selecting the right cedar plank is an important step in achieving delicious and flavorful results with cedar plank cooking.
Preparing Cedar Planks for Cooking
Before using cedar planks for cooking, it is crucial to prepare them properly to ensure that they do not burn or catch fire during the grilling process. The first step is to soak the cedar planks in water for at least 1 hour before use. This will prevent the planks from drying out and becoming too hot, allowing for a slow and steady cooking process.
For additional flavor, you can also soak the planks in wine, beer, or your favorite marinade. Just be sure to use a shallow dish or container that will allow the planks to be fully submerged in the liquid.
It is important to note that using cedar planks that have not been properly soaked can result in flare-ups or even a fire. Soaking the planks is an essential step in cedar plank cooking that should never be skipped.
Grilling Techniques with Cedar Planks
Grilling with cedar planks is a unique experience that infuses your food with a smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Here’s a step-by-step guide to grilling with cedar planks:
Step 1: Soak the Cedar Plank
Soak your cedar plank in water for at least an hour before grilling. This helps to prevent the plank from catching on fire and also adds moisture to your food. You can also add additional flavor to the plank by soaking it in beer, wine, or juice.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
While the plank is soaking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Make sure to set up an indirect grilling zone by turning off one side of the burners or pushing the coals to one side.
Step 3: Place the Cedar Plank on the Grill
Once the plank is ready, place it on the grill over the indirect heat zone. Close the lid and let the plank heat up for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Add the Food
Remove your food from the marinade (if using) and place it on the heated cedar plank. Be sure to leave some space between each piece of food to allow for even cooking. Close the lid and let the food cook for the appropriate amount of time, flipping as needed.
Step 5: Monitor the Temperature
Cedar plank cooking requires a bit of extra attention to temperature. Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust the heat as needed to prevent the plank from catching on fire. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the food has reached a safe level.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your food is fully cooked, remove it from the plank and serve immediately. Enjoy the unique smoky flavor and tender texture that cedar plank cooking provides.
Pacific Northwest Cedar Plank Recipes
Cedar plank cooking is a beloved tradition in the Pacific Northwest, with numerous recipes highlighting the region’s fresh, local flavors. Here are some of the most popular cedar plank dishes to try at home:
Cedar Plank Salmon
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 2 hours | Preheat grill to medium-high heat. |
| 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet, skin removed | Place salmon on cedar plank. |
| 1/4 cup melted butter | Brush salmon with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. |
| 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill | Top salmon with chopped dill. |
| 2 tablespoons maple syrup | Drizzle maple syrup over salmon. |
| 1 lemon, sliced | Place lemon slices on top of salmon. |
| Transfer cedar plank with salmon to grill, cooking for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. |
Cedar Plank Seafood Mix
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 2 cedar planks, soaked in water for at least 2 hours | Preheat grill to medium-high heat. |
| 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined | Arrange shrimp on one cedar plank. |
| 1 pound scallops | Arrange scallops on the second cedar plank. |
| 1/4 cup olive oil | Brush seafood with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Sprinkle minced garlic over seafood. |
| 2 teaspoons smoked paprika | Sprinkle smoked paprika over seafood. |
| Transfer cedar planks with seafood to grill, cooking for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp and scallops are cooked through. |
Cedar Plank Grilled Vegetables
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 2 cedar planks, soaked in water for at least 2 hours | Preheat grill to medium-high heat. |
| 1 red bell pepper, sliced | Arrange red bell pepper slices on one cedar plank. |
| 1 zucchini, sliced | Arrange zucchini slices on the second cedar plank. |
| 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar | Drizzle balsamic vinegar over vegetables and season with salt and pepper. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Sprinkle minced garlic over vegetables. |
| Transfer cedar planks with vegetables to grill, cooking for 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are tender and lightly charred. |
These recipes are easy to prepare, and the cedar plank adds a delicious smoky flavor that perfectly complements the fresh seafood and vegetables of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy!
Pairing Cedar Plank Dishes with Local Wines
What better way to complement the flavors of cedar plank cooking than with a perfectly paired glass of wine? Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest offers a wide selection of locally produced wines that are sure to enhance your cedar plank dishes.
For cedar plank salmon, we recommend pairing with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines offer a perfect balance to the rich and smoky flavors of the salmon.
Seafood cedar plank dishes, such as halibut or prawns, pair well with a dry rosé or Chardonnay. These wines provide a touch of acidity that complements the delicate flavors of the seafood.
For cedar plank grilled vegetables, we suggest opting for a light and fruity red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Gamay. These wines offer a refreshing contrast to the smoky and savory flavors of the vegetables.
When selecting wines to pair with cedar plank dishes, it’s important to consider the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest. With its cool climate and varied terroir, the region produces wines that are perfectly suited to the flavors of cedar plank cooking.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cedar Plank Cooking
Now that you have all the basics of cedar plank cooking, let’s dive into some expert tips and tricks to help you elevate your Pacific Northwest culinary experience:
- Get creative with flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and wood varieties to customize the taste of your cedar plank dishes.
- Preheat the plank: Place the soaked plank on the grill for a few minutes before adding the food to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature and starts to smoke, infusing more flavor into your food.
- Keep a spray bottle of water handy: If the plank starts to flare up or char too quickly, spritz it with water to control the flames and prevent burning.
- Try different cooking methods: While grilling is the most common way to use cedar planks, you can also try baking them in the oven or on a stovetop grill for a different cooking experience.
- Don’t overcook your food: Cedar plank cooking helps keep food moist and tender, but it can also lead to overcooking if left on the grill for too long. Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust cooking time accordingly.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a cedar plank cooking pro. Remember to have fun, get creative, and savor the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can cedar planks be reused?
A: Cedar planks can be reused, but it is recommended to use a new plank for each grilling session to avoid wood splinters and ensure optimal flavor.
Q: Can other types of wood be used for plank cooking?
A: While cedar is the traditional wood used for plank cooking, other types of wood such as alder, hickory, and oak can also be used for different flavor profiles.
Q: Can cedar plank cooking be done on a gas grill?
A: Yes, cedar plank cooking can be done on a gas grill. Simply preheat the grill to high and place the soaked cedar plank on the grates. Reduce the heat to medium and follow the recommended cooking time and temperature.
Q: How long should cedar planks be soaked before grilling?
A: Cedar planks should be soaked in water for at least 1-2 hours before grilling to prevent them from catching fire on the grill. Some chefs also recommend adding additional flavors to the soaking liquid, such as beer or wine, for added complexity in the dish.
Q: Can cedar plank cooking be done in the oven?
A: Yes, cedar plank cooking can also be done in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F and place the soaked cedar plank with the food on it in the oven. Cook for the recommended time and temperature.
Q: Can cedar plank cooking be done with meat other than fish?
A: Yes, cedar plank cooking can be done with meats such as chicken or steak. Just ensure that the meat is properly seasoned and the cooking time and temperature are adjusted accordingly.
Q: What is the best way to clean cedar planks after use?
A: Cedar planks should be discarded after use. However, if you wish to reuse them, scrape off any remaining food and gently wash with warm water and a mild dish soap. Rinse well and allow to dry completely before storing.
