Grilling is a popular cooking method during warmer months as it allows for a clean kitchen and keeps the temperature down inside the home. While grills are versatile and can be used for cooking a variety of foods, there are certain items that do not work well when placed directly on the grates. Foods like flaky fish, peeled shrimp, scallops, small or thinly sliced vegetables, bacon, breaded meat, and calzones may not fare well on a traditional grill. It is important to secure these foods with special grilling equipment to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Flaky fish such as tilapia, cod, and halibut are not ideal candidates for direct grilling as they tend to fall through the grates when cooked. Firm fish like salmon may be better suited for grilling. Peeled shrimp should be left in their shells while grilling to prevent them from drying out quickly. Scallops can be cooked in a skillet over the grates to achieve a proper sear and caramelized crust. Small or thinly sliced vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, and broccoli florets can be cooked on skewers or in a sauté pan on the grill to avoid falling through the grates.
Bacon, even thick slices, is not recommended for grilling due to the high fat content that can cause grease to drip through the grates and create splatters and explosions. Breaded meat like chicken or pork cutlets may not work well on the grill as the coating is likely to burn and fall off. Calzones are also tricky to cook on a traditional grill due to their thickness and shape, often resulting in a greasy mess. It is suggested to use a pizza oven to cook calzones quickly and efficiently instead of grilling them.
To maintain a clean and efficient grilling experience, it is important to choose foods that are suitable for grilling and use appropriate grilling equipment to prevent them from falling through the grates. By avoiding certain foods like flaky fish, peeled shrimp, scallops, small vegetables, bacon, breaded meat, and calzones on the grill, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable grilling experience. Experimenting with different cooking methods and equipment can help you expand your grilling repertoire and create delicious meals for your family and friends.
