Yet Another "Plank" Question - How to Clean Them?!

[Peggy]

Thanks to Ralph's thread and Kathyrn's response, I was able to locate an untreated cedar plank to BBQ on. Two days ago we made the Salmon recipe in the June issue and it was fabulous. However, I have a question for all of you plank-cooking experts or those that have bought planks that come with directions...

It is my understanding that these planks are reuseable. If so, how do they recommend cleaning them? I know that the instructions say to soak them in water and then cook them alone on the BBQ for about 5 minutes before placing the food on them. Does this pre-cooking step clean off any old debris and bacteria/germs or should you clean them right after each use? If so, with what?!

Would appreciate any information on this topic. After the delicious results we had, I am anxious to continue cooking on them, but want to be sure they are sanitary and safe.

TIA!

Peggy

[HeatherR]

Hi Peggy,

I was told that if you use them in the oven, which you can after being soaked, that you can reuse them once, maybe twice more. I've used it one more time but after that the flavour is gone. If you use it on the BBQ I was told it was not reuseable.

As far as cleaning goes, we just scrubbed it off with some hot water and a bit of anti-bacterial soap. Not too much. Worked like a charm. Then let it air dry.

Hope this helps.

Ciao
Heather

P.S. Here's another amazing plank recipe for you all. I've made it a couple of times for my DH and I and all he could say was, "this is the best salmon I've ever had", over and over again. :) I cook it in the oven and the smell in the house is unbelievable. I wish I could bottle it.

http://www.epicurious.com/run/recipe/view?id=14473&action=filtersearch&filter=recipe-filter.hts&collection=Recipes&ResultTemplate=recipe-results.hts&queryType=and&keyword=maple+glazed+plank+salmon

[aggie94]

Peggy, I'm not sure either about the reusability of planks on the grill. With my plank, I clean it like I do my stones, with hot water and no soap.

[Wendy w]

Peggy, My planks have instructions on them but alas, they are at home and I am at work. I will try to post sometime over the weekend. Glad to hear that the salmon was fab, I can't wait to try it!:)

[Leisa M]

I thought I saw on some websites that even their grilling planks you could use at least 2 times. I may have to check locally and see if I can find some planks locally before buying off the internet. DH would like to try misquite(sp?).

[Peggy]

Thank you to everyone for their responses. Sounds like the jury may still out, but that most likely the planks can't be reused over and over again.

Wendy - I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what your plank directions say.

Heather - Thanks for the link to the recipe. I just printed if off!

Peggy

[Leisa M]

Originally posted by Peggy
Thank you to everyone for their responses. Sounds like the jury may still out, but that most likely the planks can't be reused over and over again.

Wendy - I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what your plank directions say.

Heather - Thanks for the link to the recipe. I just printed if off!

Peggy

Same here.

[HeatherR]

Salt may be the answer to cleaning the plank, safely and hygenically. Just like you clean a cast iron pan. Try using salt and water. The salt will act like an abrasive.

What was I thinking when I said a bit of soap earlier. Doh! Hadn't had enough coffee yet, I guess.

Peggy: The nice thing about that salmon recipe is that you cook the salmon on a bed of green onions/scallions, so clean up is easy.

I can purchase untreated cedar planks at my grocery store in Calgary. It's so long that my DH cut it in half for me, so I had two for the price of one. Didn't have cleaning instructions on it though, I'm afraid. :(

Good luck everyone. :)

Cheers
Heather

[browneye]

Hi Peggy!
I have been using planks for years and personally have never found a re-use to be reasonable.
We purchase pretty thin,1/2 inch,or less untreated planks and then toss them. I tried to re-use one one time but it just didn't work.

Ours are pretty inexpensive where we purchase them, so maybe that is a factor, however, I would not recommend trying to reuse after fish on a BBQ.
Paula :cool:

[Wendy w]

Hi! As promised, here are the instructions that came with my planks. There are some pretty good tips. After all of the typing yesterday, everything disappeared. BB Phantom? Oh well, here I go again:

Instructions:

Rinse plank. Fill a container with water-one large enough to fit the plank-a pan, sink, or heavy plastic bag will work. Submerge for at least 20 minutes and as long as 4 hours.

Prepare the barbecue as instructed by the manufacturer. It is ready for use when the temperature is about medium-high or about 425 F. At this temperature, the grilling planks should give off a medium-to-light smoke.

Place the soaked plank onto the grill and close the lid. Within a few minutes, the plank will begin to smoke and crackle. Raise the lid, place the food onto the plank then return the lid. Cooking times can be as short as 8 and up to 25 minutes.

Can the planks be reused? Yes, if they are exceedingly charred or cracked. Simply brush clean with warm, soapy water, set up to dry and store in paper bag. Re-soaking is optional.

Adding 1 tablespoon sea salt to the water improves the flavor. Variation: use dry white wine, apple cider, citrus or berry juice.

Soaking the plank adds moisture and resists burning while on the grill. Starting with hot water will shorten soaking time.

New plank only: A heat-seasoned plank imparts better flavor and controls warping. Carefully flip and toast each side of the plank a few times, 1-2 minutes a side. Select the best side up.

Keep a spray bottle with water nearby. If the plank gets too hot, it may begin to flame. Please be mindful of this. Carefully extinguish flames, adjust heat, and continue planking.

Tip: After the plank finally chars and blisters, crumble it into the bottom of the barbecue and reuse as smoking chips. Great for grilling vegetables!

Here is their website, which has good information too: www.chinookplanks.com

Hi Paula! Nice to see you!
:)

[HeatherR]

Wow!

Thanks for all that great information, Wendy. Some great tips, I'll have to try next time.

Cheers
Heather

[Wendy w]

You're welcome Heather. I am looking forward to using my planks soon!

[Peggy]

Thanks Wendy!! I now feel fully educated on the use and reuse of planks. I appreciate all of your typing!:)

Peggy

[dcornelius]

OK, so I have a new gas grill and really want that yummy wood flavor so I have looked around at the planks and have decided that they are cost prohibitive for every day use. So I purchased a smoker box and a bag of wood chips to use. Haven't used them yet. I was wondering if any one has had any experience with this type of thing? Does any one have any helpful hints on usage and are your results as good as with a plank?

[swquilts]

I second Heather's suggestion of the Epicurious salmon recipe....quite divine!! :D Be sure to make the mustard mashed potatoes too as they go with the flavors of the fish glaze. I'll have to dust the cobwebs off of my planks and make that again.

[sneezles]

Diane,
We've never used a plank but use wood chips all the time. In the smoker it's no big deal as we just throw on the split logs but with the gass grill we use the box. The wood really needs to soak a good long while so it will actually "smoke" not just burn. You will get the flavor in the meat!