Questions on Cedar Plank Salmon

[BBQ Engineer]

I have never had cedar plank salmon, and never really understood why I would cook it on a plank that generated smoke that I wouldn't put in my smoker. Besides, I've seen cedar planks for sale and just laughed at the price for what they were. But since I readily admit that I don't know what I may have been missing, am open to the idea if it presented itself...

Enter my inspiration...I recently had a project at home and used several dog eared cedar fence pickets. The cut off's left some nice size pieces that resembled the cedar planks I have seen for sale to be used for cedar plank salmon. Light bulb moment for me...cedar is cedar, doesn't matter if you get it from Home depot, or from William Sonoma, Right? It could be a shake shingle, or a dog eared fence picket, or a hunk of 1X6...gonna cook the same I figure.

So, now that I have had an inspiration and am wondering about this...How do you go about it? Soak the plank? direct over fire with the board? Fish see's no direct heat? My assumption is that the cedar oils from a hot board enhance the fish and not so much the smoke - is that correct? If the cedar is rough cut, run it through the planer first and smooth up the side the fish sits on? Brine the salmon? Dang...so many questions!

[Richtee]

Here's a decent article on it. I have never had it either, but I guess I can kinda imagine the bit of cedar going with the dill and whatnot.

Yeah apparently it's the aromatic part of the wood..you don't actually wanna burn it. If well soaked..I can see 180 -200 temps over maybe 30 mins being plausible.

Be sure to document, sir!

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-gril...-kitchn-152412

[HawgHeaven]

Dana, start here... this rocks...

[206]

Round these parts (NW), there's been lots of talk about using fence board or what-not for this. Only concern was oil from the equipment from cutting the boards, but have read many have used fence board. Heck, a few years ago I was serving maple molding/trim smoked chicken. Now that wood was expensive, but it was leftover from a project.

Yes soak the wood, held under water, for an hour or so. Put wet plank on direct coals and when plank starts smokin put the fish on. Those are the directions on store bought planks and it works.

The fish does take on a smokey flavor. Skin side is down so wood oil is not a factor. The fish cooks nice with this method as the wood is a buffer between the fish and fire. I have found that you need to remove fish from the plank when fish is done to your liking or else the wood heat continues cooking the fish.

I have bought and used cedar planks and it was okay but I do prefer alder.

GO FOR IT.

[BYBBQ]

I don't care for the cedar taste, I prefer sugar maple. They do work as advertized and do impart a distinct flavor.

I would be careful about using shake shingles or fence slats as they are usually pressure treated for bugs and water proofing, and shingles by law in most states are treated with a fire retardant. Unless you know they are local cut and untreated, not like the ones sold at Lowes or Home Depot which are treated. The 1x6's and other sizes of raw wood will work fine.

[BBQ Engineer]

I would be careful about using shake shingles or fence slats as they are usually pressure treated for bugs and water proofing, and shingles by law in most states are treated with a fire retardant.

And that is part of my question...The reason to use cedar in outdoor construction projects is that it is naturally insect and decay resistant, and virtually waterproof without the need for treatment. I did not think that they treated fence cedar unlike pressure treated pine lumber (It used to be CCA but they now use other waterborne preservatives). Shake shingles may be a totally different thing with fire retardents...OK, then how about shake siding (still hit with fire retardent ) Does anyone know for sure? How about you PNW guys?

[BYBBQ]

Most cedar siding and shingles are treated with B or C labeled fire retardant. They can be bought without the treatment. Most insurance companies and states require some sort of fire retardant either pressure treated from the factory or applied after installation. If you can see the whole pallet, there will be a special tag on it when fire retardant has been applied. Fencing is usually treated also for waterproofing. Look up material safety data sheet (MSDS), safety data sheet (SDS), or product safety data sheet (PSDS).
Unless you are sure the product is untreated, I would not use it to cook on. If you can get some local cut cedar or raw wood that is used for building furniture or trim and is unfinished, that would be good to go.

[Fishawn]

I like it a lot! Prolly been 2 years since I did one though. Got a bunch as a Christmas present that lasted a few years, and my dad got me some from a friend. They are pricey in the stores, for sure maybe find someone with a small mill to cut you some Dana maybe sweeten the deal up with some snack stix or bbq

[nickelmore]

Salmon???? LOL I heard that cedar is really good with carp (Illinois salmon).....low and slow/ throw out the carp and eat the cedar

Let us know.........

[ThunderDome]

I really like the subtle flavor of non soaked cedar planked salmon (skin on) when cooking indirect high heat

[SmokinOutBack]

Done some on a gas grill several years ago with pretty good results. You had to soak the planks though or they would catch on fire. Anymore I would just do them on the kettle indirect with alder or pecan or whatever you like. Smoked salmon makes a great meal.

[BBQ Engineer]

I do a smoked salmon that has ruined Mrs. Engineer for getting salmon anywhere but here...

The Cedar Planks just presented themselves as a leftover from a weekend construction project and since I have not prepared it that way thought I'd give it a go...but I won't go buy a "special" cedar plank to do it. I am not that curious...

I don't know why Cedar would be treated when by it's very nature it rot, insect and water resistant since this would add additional cost, but I cannot positively say that a fence board from home depot isn't treated. Now if it were from China, it would have to be fumigated and I understand that...At this point it just seems like an unnecessary exercise. Does anyone remember the dude that tried to sell his homemade PVC water stuffer? I do...he quit posting over it. This kind of reminds me of that and I won't do something that isn't safe or be subjected to that kind of scrutiny. I subscribe to the when in doubt, throw it out theory, and this fits that model.

[Richtee]

I won't do something that isn't safe or be subjected to that kind of scrutiny. I subscribe to the when in doubt, throw it out theory, and this fits that model.

Probably a wise choice.

Now..I DO have a bud here who has a sawmill. Would not be Western cedar... but I can supply a slice er two of known origin I'm sure.

[SMOKE FREAK]

Dana I cant think that cedar fence planks are treated with anything...Now cedar siding or shingles....That's another story...

However....Thinkin that there are many ways to smoke/grill salmon that do not include cedar in any way....

Thanks for posting this question because the same thing has troubled me for some time...

[chefrob]

back about 15 yrs ago when this was the "in" thing we used to get the fence board cedar that we were "told" that it was untreated. we used to cut them down to 6'' planks and we would go through a couple of milk crates or so every week. the method we would do is mark the fish on the broiler skin side up. while this was going we would hit the plank with olive oil and place it on the stove flame to get it going. by the time the fish was marked the edges of the planks would be smoking. we would place the fish skin side down on the smoldering plank and finish it in the oven for 4-7 min. depending on the thickness of the fish. that would go on the plate, smoldering wood and all, and then top the fish with diced roma tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and garlic infused olive oil. don't know if the health department would let us get away with that today (wood source) but it was one of our top selling items.