One of the questions we get asked about grilling planks a lot is whether or not Cedar planks can be used again. Our answer is that, like movie sequels, the first one is usually the best.
It’s important to note the difference between grill planking and oven planking before we go any further with this question. The technique of infusing flavor with a plank differs depending on your method of cooking.
Another important aspect to note is plank coverage. When planking, make sure that the plank is covered all the way to the edges. This reduces the likelihood of flare-ups, which means the plank will be in better shape.
Cedar planks are a popular way to infuse salmon with a delicious smoky flavor while grilling. But many people wonder – can you reuse cedar planks after cooking salmon or are they single use?
Yes, you can use the same cedar planks to grill salmon again as long as they are still in good shape. Reusing planks can save money compared to using a new plank each time.
However, there are some important factors to consider when reusing cedar planks for salmon to ensure safety and maximize flavor.
Inspect the Plank Thoroughly
Before reusing a cedar plank, inspect it closely to make sure it is still in good shape. Look for
- Excessive charring or burn marks, especially on the bottom
- Warping or splits in the wood
- Mold, mildew, or funny smells
If the plank shows signs of damage, it’s best to discard it and use a new one. Reusing damaged planks increases the risk of flare-ups or burning when grilling.
A lightly charred plank that is still intact can be reused, but a blackened, cracked plank should be discarded.
Proper Cleaning Between Uses
After grilling salmon, properly clean the plank to remove any leftover oils or debris before storing for later use.
Here’s how to clean used cedar planks:
- Rinse away any visible salmon residue with hot water. Avoid using soap on the plank.
- Use a stiff brush or scouring pad to scrub off any stuck-on bits.
- Dry the plank fully before storing it.
Proper cleaning prevents contamination when reusing planks. Store cleaned planks in a cool, dry place until the next use.
Always Soak Before Reuse
Whether it’s a new plank or one that has been used before, it needs to soak in water for one to two hours before being grilled. This prevents the wood from burning too quickly and helps it last longer.
For a reused plank, soaking also allows it to reabsorb moisture and swelling back to its original shape if it has dried out.
Expect Some Loss of Flavor
With multiple uses, some of the natural cedar oils will dissipate, resulting in a milder flavor. The plank will still impart a pleasant smokiness, but likely won’t be as strongly flavored as the first use.
Consider sanding the plank lightly before soaking to refresh the wood surface and release more of the aromatic cedar flavor.
Safety Tips for Reusing Cedar Planks
When reusing cedar planks, follow these tips to stay safe:
- Always fully cover the plank with salmon fillets to prevent excess burning around the edges.
- Avoid cooking over direct high heat, which chars the wood faster. Use a lower temp or indirect heat zone.
- Turn the planks over halfway through grilling to evenly distribute charring on both sides.
- Discard planks once they’ve been reused 2-3 times if heavily charred.
Only Reuse Planks for Salmon
It’s best to dedicate reused cedar planks only for salmon going forward. The wood will absorb salmon oils and flavors after the first use.
Using the plank with a different type of protein after salmon can result in funny flavor combinations you probably don’t want!
Consider Aesthetics
For serving salmon, you may prefer to use a fresh plank each time for aesthetic reasons. A brand new plank can make for a prettier presentation.
However, a reused plank is perfectly safe and usable if appearance isn’t as important.
Purchase High-Quality Planks
Opt for cedar planks made from actual cedar wood rather than composite woods. Genuine cedar offers the best flavor and is safest for reuse.
Look for thicker, more sturdy planks that are less likely to crack or char as quickly. This allows for more reuse potential.
The Bottom Line
Cedar planks can be reused up to 2-3 times for grilling salmon fillets if properly cleaned and stored between uses. Always inspect the plank and discard if damaged.
Soaking, sanding, and using lower heat can optimize results when reusing planks. While the flavor may diminish slightly, you can still achieve delicious smoked salmon with a well-maintained reused cedar plank.
Can you reuse planks that were used in the oven?
Planks don’t get charred like they do on the grill when you put them in the oven. This is because there is no direct flame. Oven planks have a much higher chance of being reusable.
Look at the picture below of a plank that was used in the oven. There are no signs of flare-ups or charring.
Are Cedar planks reusable when used on the grill?
Cedar planks and hardwoods get pretty charred on the grill, often so much so that they can’t be used again. Take a look at the picture above. The plank is charred, especially in places where the steak does not cover the plank. The plank above should not be reused, as it is charred on the bottom and top side.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for other things. They’re great for starting fires in fireplaces or your backyard fire pit.
If you do reuse Cedar planks, how should you do it? | Wildwood Grilling
FAQ
How many times can you use a cedar plank for salmon?
Can you use a cedar plank more than once?
Why can’t you reuse cedar planks?
How many times can you use Weber cedar planks?
Can you cook salmon on a cedar plank?
For instance if you are cooking salmon on the cedar plank I would always try to use a fish for that plank from then on. Typically I can get 3-4 uses out of my plank if I’m careful to soak it for a decent amount of time. A good resource I’ve found for this: Hope this helps!
Can You reuse cedar planks after grilling?
It’s fine to reuse cedar planks after grilling as long as you clean them well after each use. On the second or third round, the food that you cook on the planks will pick up even more woodsy flavor. Scrub the top of the plank and give it a good soak prior to each use, and don’t try to use one more than 3 times.
Can You reuse wood planks?
You can absolutely reuse wood planks if they are prepared and cared for properly. Unlike what yossarian says I would never use soap to clean them unless I absolutely had to. The soap will absorb into the wood which can alter its aroma when burned. Also I would be very careful when reusing to always use the same types of meat/fish.
How often do you reuse cedar planks?
I routinely reuse cedar planks 1 or 2 times. I use an indirect charcoal grilling method that tends to char the bottom less. I simply scrub with a brush under running hot water promptly after removing the cooked food. Let dry and resoak when needed again. Never had any problems.