It is easy to think that grilling is a technique reserved for the summer, when barbecue season is truly upon us. At Cookpad we want to prove grilling is diverse and a great technique which can be used all year round, even when the BBQ has been retired for the winter months! Grilling can be used to add an edge and smoky flavour to the most simple dishes and ingredients. Also, grilling is a great healthy alternative to frying, helping you make the most delicious meals fewer calories.
Not sure what to do with those vegetables which have been sitting in the fridge all week and need to get eaten? Cut them into thin strips and put them on a grill pan with a little oil and seasoning to create a quicker, yummy alternative to roasted veggies which helps tackle food waste. Don’t peel them! Keeping the skin on is a delicious and amazing way to #CookEveryPart. Grilled leeks are particularly delicious, if your BBQ is still in use then heat it up and place the leek on there, leave to cook for a few hours until the leek is soft on the inside and blackened on the outside and serve it with some salt and pepper. Yum!
Have time for a classic English fry-up? Why not make it a ‘grill-up’! Instead of frying the bacon, tomatoes and sausages use the grill to create the same delicious dish with half the fat. Great for kicking off a relaxing day!
Tips and Tricks
-No, you don’t need a BBQ to grill, grill pans are perfect for cooking on the hob and giving food those distinctive grill marks without an outdoor grill. Otherwise, most UK ovens have a grill built inside, great for easy grilling.
-If you are using a grill pan let it heat up on a medium heat before adding the ingredients. This allows the heat to distribute evenly into the food, meaning it cooks all the way through without giving any ‘hot spots’.
- To check your grill pan is hot enough before adding the food, flick some water onto it. If it evaporates straight away then it is ready!
-Marinade your ingredients before grilling to add more flavour. Overnight is ideal and it isn’t just meat and fish which benefits from an overnight marinade. Marinating adds so much more flavour to any ingredient you intend to cook.
-If you are indoor grilling but miss the smokey flavour from the classic BBQ use smoked seasonings like smoked paprika to add that distinct taste to your dish.
-Thick-skinned fish is best for grilling to stop it falling apart. Oil your grill directly before adding the fish and also brush oil on both sides of the fish itself to prevent it from sticking.
-If you have a cast iron grill pan the way you clean it is essential. Don’t soak it in water, or put it in the dishwasher as this can make it rust. Instead scrub it with a stiff brush and a little washing up liquid. Then take to the hob and leave it there on a high heat until you can see the water evaporate.
Stomach grumbling? Take a look at some of these yummy recipes for more inspiration.
Spatchcock Poussin Glazed with Orange and Honey
Grilled Breakfast With Bacon Black Pudding and Eggs
Spicy Grilled Pineapple With Coconut Cream
