Cooking accessories for grilling are often overlooked in the kitchen. They are used mainly for cooking meats and vegetables over high heat. However, there are plenty of surprising and creative ways to use a grill pan that you may not have considered before. Here are some grill pan hacks to make the most out of your favourite kitchen tool.
Grilling Fruits and Vegetables
Grilling is not just for meat lovers; you can use your grill pan to cook various fruits and vegetables. Grilled fruits like peaches, pineapple, and watermelon can be a perfect addition to any dessert. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant make delicious and healthy side dishes. Simply cut the fruits or vegetables into slices or cubes, brush them with oil, and grill them over high heat until they are charred and tender.
Making Paninis and Grilled Cheese
If you are not having a panini press or a sandwich maker, your grill pan can do the trick. A grill pan can provide the perfect charred and crispy texture to your sandwich, especially when combined with melted cheese. For a classic grilled cheese, butter two slices of bread and add your favourite cheese in between, then grill the sandwich in your pan until it’s golden and crispy. For a panini, layer your favourite ingredients between two slices of bread, then grill it until it’s hot and crispy.
Grilling Seafood
Grill pans are also great for cooking seafood, providing a quick and easy way to get that perfect sear on your favourite fish or shrimp. Simply brush your seafood with oil, season it with salt and pepper, and place it on your preheated grill pan. Grill the seafood for a few minutes on each side until it’s cooked, and serve it with your favourite sauce or side dish.
Grilling Pizza
Grilling pizza is a fun and unique way to enjoy this classic dish, and a grill pan can make it easier than ever. First, preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Then, stretch out your pizza dough and brush it with olive oil. Place the pizza dough on the grill pan and cook it for a few minutes until it bubbles and browns. Then, flip the pizza dough over, add sauce and toppings, and grill it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Grilling Tofu
For a vegetarian or vegan option, a grill pan can also be used to make tofu taste amazing. Tofu is a blank canvas that can be flavoured with various seasonings and sauces, and grilled tofu has a smoky and charred flavour. First, press the tofu and remove the excess water, then cut it into slices or cubes. Brush the tofu with oil, season it with salt and pepper, and grill it until it’s golden and crispy.
Grilling Bread
Grilling bread can add a delicious smoky flavour to your favourite bread recipe. A grill pan is perfect for this task because it lets you get beautiful grill marks on the bread without drying it out. First, brush your bread with olive oil or butter, then place it on your preheated grill pan. Cook the bread for a few minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and crispy. Grilled bread can be a great addition to your cheese board, served with dips or spreads, or used as a base for bruschetta or crostini.
A grill pan is not just for meat; it’s a versatile tool for making various dishes. From grilled fruits and vegetables to seafood, paninis, and even pizza, a grill pan can add a unique flavour and texture to your favourite dishes. With these grill pan hacks, you can take your cooking to the next level.
