Planked Mahi Mahi Test: Backyard Provisions vs. Cheap

I will be the first to admit that I wouldn’t think there is any difference in wood planks.  Wood is wood.  You’re cooking on it for such a short period of time, it can’t make much of a difference.  I’m certainly not going to spend money on them.  Just give me a $2 cedar plank from Target.

How many of you fall into that category?  C’mon, don’t be shy.  Admit it.  The truth will set you free.

Well, regardless of what you think, there’s only one way to come to a conclusion:  Taste test.

I took two identical pieces of mahi mahi.   I sprinkled both sides with Salt and Pepper, then smeared some ridiculously tasty Ellbee’s Citrus Seasoning on it.  I’m telling you right now, I think The Ellbee’s Citrus was MADE just for grilling fish.  Holy tastiness, Batman.

Here’s where Backyard Provisions stepped in.  They sent me some incredibly unique wood planks to try out.  The plank I chose for this experiment was a Golden Alder.

The contest was on.  I was skeptical, but overwhelmingly excited.

Backyard Provisions is a very unique company. Located in Oklahoma, they hand cut and inspect all the wood themselves – which all comes to them directly from Maine.  I figure Maine is probably not a bad place to get wood, so they must be on to something.  Why did they start manufacturing wood planks for BBQ?  Because they were frustrated by not being able to find exactly what they wanted.

How cool is that?  Can’t find what I want?  Well, I guess I’ll start a company and make it myself!  Yea, you could say I quickly found my way into the Laura and Lindi fan club.  Check Backyard Provisions out yourself.  They have over 20 different wood smoking products to choose from.  Their website is easy to navigate, their prices are extremely reasonable and I received my order just a couple days after ordering!

Back to the competition.  So as you can see, we have nearly identical pieces of cooked fish here, right?  I promise, the only variable different is the wood plank.

What were the results?  I know you’re dying to know.  Four of us took a blind taste test.  All four of us were actually shocked at the difference.  All four remarked how we couldn’t believe how much better one was than the other.  All four of us picked the same one – and it wasn’t even close.

Golden Alder

Can you believe that?  Folks, I’m telling you – I don’t really care about fish.  I could take it or leave it.  And I honestly went into this rolling my eyes, thinking we would all agree there was no difference.  Not only was there a difference – that difference was huge.  I’m in disbelief in how much better the flavor was with the Golden Alder.

Lesson learned.  The $2 cedar plank from Target is cheap for a reason.  The other lesson is apparently Laura and Lindi from Backyard Provisions are geniuses.  Like menza club smartness.

They’re running holiday specials right now, so I would check them out RIGHT NOW.  You can get two of these magical Golden Alder for just $6!  Trust me, it’s worth the couple extra bucks.  Stay away from Target.  And a GREAT gift idea for all BBQ Geeks.  Order online and get ready to be blown away by what quality wood can do to your food!