Time to Plank Some Salmon

SmokingPiney

We needed a change in proteins, and we love salmon. Time to plank!

Dusted with Trader Joe's Everything seasoning, and walking the cedar plank on the BGE.

GrateEggspectations

Beauty. A fave here as well. Looks like you nailed it; and wish mash and green beans to boot!

Stormbringer

That looks great. Can you re-use the plank, if so how many times? Do you cook direct or indirect, what temperature? I've not done this before.

SmokingPiney

@Stormbringer, Thanks!

I soak the planks in water for a couple of hours. I cook direct at 425 dome temp. Before I put the fish on the planks, I toast the planks dry on each side for a bout a minute and lightly oil the fish side. The planks give off a light smoke that flavors the fish.

I do reuse them until they are too charred. 

GrateEggspectations

@Stormbringer

They say the biggest downsides to reusing them are leftover food bits on the plank (figure you can burn them off) and lack of oil in the wood, due to the evaporation during the previous use. 

Also, I never soak my planks or any wood I’m smoking with. Haven’t since reading this article.
https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/more-cooking-science/soak-your-wood-first-myth/

Foghorn

GrateEggspectations said:

@Stormbringer

They say the biggest downsides to reusing them are leftover food bits on the plank (figure you can burn them off) and lack of oil in the wood, due to the evaporation during the previous use. 

Also, I never soak my planks or any wood I’m smoking with. Haven’t since reading this article.
https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/more-cooking-science/soak-your-wood-first-myth/

I've used that same article to justify soaking my planks - based on the caveat at the bottom of the article.  

I cook planked fish at a more medium heat - 300-350.  It gives me a nice window of perfect doneness such that I don't overcook it much if I miss it by a minute or so.  And the plank doesn't catch on fire so the potential for re-use is better. 

Also, while the plank might not soak up much water, a soaked plank does seem to lead to fish that is slightly more moist - and when the fish is done the plank is dry.  So, I've always thought that the steam rising through the fish was a good thing - even if there isn't a LOT of water, therefore much steam.

Stormbringer

Thanks folks. I've had some planks lying around since I bought the MMX back in 2018, time to use them.