Plank grilling is an increasingly popular cooking technique that’s embraced by chefs and home cooks alike. It’s a surprisingly easy way to impress your guests at a barbeque and you’ll get a 10 out of 10 for taste and presentation.
Grilling on a wooden plank is a great solution when you are looking for a different flavour than simply barbecued or smoked. There’s no need to limit yourself to salmon and trout, either.
A range of fish and seafood are great options for plank grilling, and so are poultry, beef, pork, vegetables, fruits, and cheeses with rind. Both carnivores and vegans are catered for, and in our selection of recipes, you will find plenty of inspiration.
What wood to choose
You can use different varieties of wood for plank grilling, but & of course our untreated hardwoods are best. The most common types of woods used for grilling include cedar, cherry, hickory, maple, red oak, and alder. Each of these wood types are now available from the CedarWorks online store .
When it comes to choosing the wood type of the gourmet grilling planks based on flavour, think of some of your favourite proteins and vegetables. Does the classic cedar smoked salmon whet your appetite? Would you like to try hickory-smoked portobello mushrooms? Or maybe you like the idea of cooking some delicious venison backstraps on a red oak gourmet grilling plank?
The flavour nuances explained
Alder imparts a gentle and mild wood flavour to your dishes, striking a harmonious balance between smokiness and sweetness. Its earthy undertones enhance without overwhelming the palate. White fish, salmon, seafood, pre-seared pork, poultry, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and desserts all benefit from Alder’s subtle touch.
Cedar introduces a spicy and fragrant smokiness that complements fish superbly, especially salmon. However, its versatility extends to grilling nearly any protein or vegetable on a cedar plank. Seafood, shrimp, asparagus, broccolini, carrots—all find their flavours elevated by cedar’s aromatic embrace.
Cherry lends a subtle, sweet, and fruity smoke essence to your culinary creations, with a lingering mild fruity note. Ideal for salmon, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, peaches, and various vegetables. It’s the natural choice for delectable dessert dishes.
Shop the Cherry Gourmet Grilling Plank Range
Hickory contributes a robust and deep flavour to smoked foods, offering a more intense profile compared to Alder and fruit woods like Cherry. Perfect for beef, ribs, pork, poultry, lamb, wild game, bacon, portobello mushrooms, semi-soft cheeses, and dark fruits. It’s the go-to for dishes needing a Southern-style twang and an extra punch of smoke.
Maple provides a sturdy, rich, and nutty flavour profile, particularly suited for meats. With the sweetest smoke among grilling woods, Maple imparts a delicately subtle yet balanced flavour. It pairs beautifully with pre-seared pork, cheeses like brie with rind, pineapple, and various vegetables. Enhance your dish by wrapping bacon or prosciutto around the food within the Maple wrap for an irresistible aroma and taste.
Shop the Maple Gourmet Grilling Plank Range
Red Oak gourmet grilling planks offer a medium flavour that strikes a perfect balance between mild and strong. Ideal for main course selections with its smoky, full-bodied, sweet, and nutty profile. It pairs well with beef, pork, lamb, bacon, fruits, and fish. For a unique twist, experiment with wild game and other meats that boast distinctive gamey flavours.
Try them all!
If you’re still unsure, get a variety pack of taste tester gourmet grilling planks and try all six of them. With a bit of experimenting, you’ll ace those flavours in no time. All our gourmet grilling planks are 100% natural and free of any chemical treatment. Take your pick and get creative.
Here are our instructions on how to use the gourmet grilling planks
For more info, check our FAQs or get in touch.
With greetings from the winterless North, Warren & Jenny
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