Grilling is a beloved cooking method that enhances the flavors of various dishes and brings people together. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling food on a grill to make any meal feel special. In this post, we’ll explore different types of grills, the dishes they’re best suited for, and delicious recipes to try out. Let’s dive into the world of grilling!
What Are the Main Types of Grills You Can Cook With?
Who doesn’t appreciate a juicy burger or steak made on the grill? Owning a BBQ provides you with many methods for cooking and adding flavors to your food. So, if you like to prepare food for your family and want to try something different, consider the main types of grills you can cook with!
Gas/Propane Grills: Quick and Versatile Cooking
Because of their convenience, gas grills are among the most popular options for frequent BBQers. It’s as easy as turning the nozzle on your propane tank and hitting the ignition button on your grill. You can control the temperature through the appliance’s front knobs, and it heats up reasonably quickly. With multiple burners, you can work with various temperatures and cook a plethora of foods at once!
Grilling Tips for Gas Grills:
- Preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and better searing.
- Clean the grates after each use with a grill brush to prevent sticking and build-up of food residue.
- Use a grill thermometer to ensure accurate cooking temperatures, especially when cooking meats that require precise internal temperatures for safe consumption.
Recipe to Try: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Savor these succulent grilled lemon herb chicken skewers, bursting with zesty flavors and aromatic herbs for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat your gas grill on medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a grill thermometer.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 129mgSodium 503mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 47g
Nutrition calculated based on general ingredients. Value can vary based on brands and other factors.
Electric Grills: The Perfect Choice for Beginners and Apartment Dwellers
Electric grills are an excellent option for those who are new to grilling or live in apartments with restrictions on gas or charcoal grills. Despite their compact size and different heat source, electric grills still allow you to enjoy a variety of delicious grilled dishes. From mouthwatering sandwiches and flavorful kebabs to tender smaller cuts of meat, electric grills offer an easy and convenient grilling experience without sacrificing taste.
Grilling Tips for Electric Grills:
- Use a grilling mat or non-stick grill topper to prevent small pieces of food from falling through the grates, making clean-up easier and ensuring that all your ingredients stay intact.
- Allow the electric grill to preheat for at least 5 minutes before cooking to achieve optimal cooking temperatures and even heat distribution.
- Keep a close eye on the food as it cooks, since electric grills can cook quickly. Use a timer and monitor the food’s appearance to prevent overcooking or burning.
Recipe To Try: Electric Grill Veggie Kebabs
Electric Grill Veggie Kebabs
Vibrant and flavorful electric grill veggie kebabs for a healthy, colorful, and scrumptious outdoor meal experience.
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 8 oz. button mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl, and drizzle the oil mixture over them. Toss until all the vegetables are well-coated.
- Preheat your electric grill to medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes.
- Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating the types for a colorful presentation.
- Place the skewers on the preheated electric grill, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are tender and have grill marks.
- Remove the skewers from the grill, and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 128Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 54mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 2g
Nutrition calculated based on general ingredients. Value can vary based on brands and other factors.
Charcoal Grills
A close second in popularity is the charcoal grill. Grills that use this fuel are incredibly versatile because they can cook food directly or indirectly! You could even grill with wood instead of charcoal to add an intense smokey flavor to your meats. You cannot adjust the temperature, and you must prepare the charcoal before placing it in the grill, but this adds more to the experience and flavor of the food.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills offer a unique and convenient way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors often associated with traditional grilling methods. Fueled by wood pellets, these grills allow you to experiment with various wood types, infusing your dishes with delightful, natural flavors. Ideal for smoking meats, roasting vegetables, or even baking, pellet grills provide versatility and ease of use for both beginners and experienced grillers.
Grilling Tips for Pellet Grills:
- Experiment with different wood pellet flavors to find your favorite and enhance your dishes.
- Keep an eye on the pellet level in the hopper during extended cooking times, adding more pellets as needed.
- Use a digital thermometer to monitor cooking temperatures and ensure perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat meats.
Now that you know the main types of grills you can cook with, which one will you use? We recommend using a gas grill if you’re unfamiliar with this cooking method. Once you build your skills and understand the different methods and techniques for cooking meat and other food on a grill, you can try your hand at other types of appliances.
- Hooked on Seafood: A Guide to the Best Local Fish in Venice
- Prepare for Hurricanes: Your Complete Guide to Staying Safe and Protected
- Amazing Boat-Up Restaurants in Venice, Florida
- How to Score Free Birthday Goodies in Venice, Florida
- Factors To Consider When Growing Crops Indoors
- The Beauty of the Banana: A Guide with Recipes
