Cedar-Planked Char with Wood-Grilled Onions
Are you ready for a grilling adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends?

Are you ready for a grilling adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends?

Prepare your grill with indirect heat by creating a hot fire on one side and leaving the other side without fire. If using a charcoal grill, soak 1 cup of wood chips or corncobs in water for at least 30 minutes and place them directly on the hot coals when ready to plank. If using a gas grill, place 1/2 cup of dry wood chips or corncobs in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with holes poked in it, then place the box or foil over direct heat at the back of the grill.
Inside each fish, put 2 sprigs of tarragon, 2 sprigs of dill, 2 sprigs of parsley, and 2 stems of chives. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Place 2 fish on each plank.
Brush olive oil onto the cut sides of the lemons and onions.
Once you see the first hint of smoke, place the planks on the indirect side of the grill. Put the halved onions and lemons, cut side down, directly on the grate over the fire. Close the lid.
After 2 or 3 minutes, check the lemons. If they have grill marks, remove them from the grill. The onions will take an additional 10 to 15 minutes and can be turned over after the first 10 to 12 minutes. Once nicely charred, remove the onions from the grill
Are you ready for a grilling adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends? Look no further than cedar-planked char with wood-grilled onions. This dish combines the smoky flavors of cedar and the sweetness of wood-grilled onions to create a meal that will leave you wanting more.
Imagine the aroma of cedar wafting through the air as your char gently cooks on a wooden plank. The cedar infuses the fish with a subtle, smoky flavor that perfectly complements its natural richness. The result? A perfectly cooked piece of fish that is moist, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious.
While the char takes center stage, the wood-grilled onions provide a sweet and savory harmony that elevates the dish to new heights. The onions are cooked on the grill until they caramelize, releasing their natural sugars and creating a caramelized flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
Now that you're excited to embark on this grilling adventure, let's dive into some tips and tricks to ensure your cedar-planked char with wood-grilled onions turns out perfectly.
When selecting a cedar plank, opt for untreated, food-grade cedar. Soak the plank in water for at least one hour before grilling to prevent it from catching fire on the grill.
Before grilling, season the char with your favorite herbs and spices. Don't forget to score the skin to prevent it from curling during cooking.
Aim for a grill temperature of around 400°F (200°C) for the perfect balance of smoky flavor and moist, flaky fish. Keep an eye on the char to prevent overcooking.
Choose a hardwood variety like oak or hickory for grilling the onions. These woods provide a robust smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the onions.
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to fire up the grill and get cooking. Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, cedar-planked char with wood-grilled onions is a dish that will impress everyone at your next gathering. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the grilling adventure begin!
While cedar is traditionally used for planking fish, you can experiment with other hardwoods like maple or cherry for a different flavor profile.
Yes, you can use frozen char for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before grilling.
Soak the cedar plank in water for at least one hour before grilling to prevent it from catching fire on the grill.
Absolutely! If you don't have a cedar plank, you can grill the onions directly on the grill grates or in a grilling basket.
Yes, you can use a gas grill instead of charcoal. Just make sure to preheat the grill and adjust the temperature accordingly.
The grilling time will depend on the thickness of the char fillets. As a general rule, grill the char for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to the grill for a delicious and colorful side dish.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to other types of fish like salmon or trout. Just adjust the grilling time and seasonings accordingly.