How to Use a Grilling Plank

 To a regular man, the idea of a grilling plank just doesn’t make sense. Why won’t it just catch on fire and burn down not just your dinner but your entire house? But your Grillfriend knows better. She knows the secrets of the grilling plank and how it can infuse your dishes with delicious flavors while helping them maintain their mouth-watering juices. Plus, a little flame never hurt anyone – much.

Before you begin grilling, submerge the plank in water for a minimum of 30 minutes. While your grilling plank is soaking preheat your grill or barbecue to a medium-high heat (probably somewhere around 400-425 degrees). When all this is done place the soaked plank directly on the grill and immediately close the lid for several minutes. This will give the plank time to heat up and begin smoking. Once the plank is visibly smoking you can place your choice of food onto the grilling planks. Close the lid to contain the smoke and follow the temperature guide in the recipe for cooking your dish. A little flame might pop up here or there. Just make sure you have a spray bottle handy and you’ll be able to keep it under control, no problem.

Remove the grilling plank from the grill by using tongs or oven mitts. You can serve your food on the plank or by moving it to a separate platter but be warned that the plank will be HOT! Once the plank has cooled scrub it down using soapy water and leave to dry. Each plank can be used between two and three times before it can be broken down and added to your coals or just disposed of.