ISO Cedar Planks in OC

[hobbess]

I just bought a charcoal grill that I'm playing around with, and the one of the first things I want to do is cook fish on it.

I'm interested in learning how to grill fish on cedar planks, but I don't want to pay William-Sonoma and Sur La Table prices for their planks.

Any suggestions for any particular lumber yards in OC that will carry cedar or alder wood for grilling- it has to be untreated and preferably kiln dried.

[Das Ubergeek]

Just go to any Home Depot. Lowe's or Ganahl Lumber and buy untreated cedar or alder. It's literally a tenth the price of the kitchen shops, and you can break it down right there with the provided saws, then wash it when you get home.

[Funwithfood]

That might be the best idea as newer planks are just too darn small for an entire fillet.

[Das Ubergeek]

Professor Salt just wrote about a place I'd never heard of but totally need to check out: the Woodshed in the city of Orange.

[Professor Salt]

They don't have cedar wood as far as I know. They do have alder, if you want to use a Pacific NW wood for planking.

However, i'd go with DU's suggestion, as the untreated cedar planks are already the right shape. The Woodshed is getting logs and splitting / chunking them, not planking them.

[hobbess]

I've tried HD or Lowe's before, but couldn't find those planks. What I did find were wood that was already cut to size for planking fish near the bbqs equipment and with prices to match. I guess I'll have to give those two stores another shot.

Also, what do I do once I find them- what size should I cut them down to and do I need to do anything beyond that and washing them?

[OCSteve]

I haven't had luck at HD either. Aside from that, I have a higher comfort level with a local lumber yard (like Ganahl) because their wood selection (type and size) is far better than what you'll find at the chains. Their people are also more knowledgeable, so you're less likely to accidentally get something that's been treated.

As far as size, that depends on the size of the food you're cooking. I like to have a couple of inches around whatever I'm cooking, so the size I cut for a salmon steak would be smaller than what I would cut for an entire fillet. I try to soak mine for a couple of hours before putting them on the grill, but I've had good results with just 20-30 minutes of soaking. That's really about all that's involved in the prep.

[Das Ubergeek]

I've bought cedar at the HD in Placentia, but not recently (have been making gravlax with my salmon). Ganahl is a fine choice too and at least not some huge faceless other-state place.

Cut them to whatever size you need: if you're cooking a whole salmon side, you'll want one that's longer than just a fillet or a few cross-cut steaks. Also, don't limit yourself to salmon; other fish and even meats go great on planks.

[OCSteve]

You can get them at Barbeques Galore or Anaheim Patio & Fireside. If memory serves, you'll get a better deal at Anaheim Patio & Fireside. Alternately, you could go to a local lumber yard like Ganahl Lumber, buy untreated boards (oak, pecan, alder, cedar, etc.) and cut your own for much cheaper. Making sure the wood is untreated is key.

Barbeques Galore:
www.bbqgalore.com

Anaheim Patio & Fireside:
www.anaheimpatio.com

Ganahl Lumber:
www.ganahl.com