What Is A Grill Pan And How Does It Work?
Grilling your favorite type of meat for your favorite dish is the best way to enjoy a moment with friends and family. Thankfully, all the things you need can be made with a grill pan. But what is a grill pan? How does it differ from all the other pans? Those are good questions.
In this article, you will be learning a few important pieces of information about what a grill pan is, how it works, and how it differs from the rest. If you want to learn more about grill pans, then read further down below to get a better idea of how this cooking ware works.
What Is a Grill Pan?
A grill pan is your typical kitchen equipment similar to that of a frying pan but with unique features specially designed to serve a wide variety of purposes. Simply put, a grill pan is your typical frying pan with raised edges for an easier cooking time.
One of these pan's prominent features is the raised grill edges that provide grill lines when the meat is done. Grill lines are usually 1 to 3 centimeters apart, depending on your pan. Furthermore, those grill lines also serve as a dripping mechanism for juice and oils to trickle down below the pan. Almost all grill pans are made with a nonstick surface, and this is to ensure that your recipe is cooked to perfection or ideal circumstances without sticking.
What Are the Types of Food You Can Cook with a Grill Pan?
One of the best things about a grill pan is that it can be a great choice for different cooking methods. However, they work best with meats that you want to have grill marks on. Here are some of the food that can be cooked with a grill pan:
Shrimp
Shrimps can have grill marks too. Just be sure to cook them on moderate heat. Another thing to note is to achieve the best grill marks result. You should opt for shrimps that are jumbo or large. Handle them well as they are quite delicate.
Lamb
Grill pans are the best choice for making juicy and tender chops of lamb with grill marks in them. To achieve the best result, it is often good to learn how to cook lamb chops, as they require some expertise to achieve a favorable outcome.
Vegetables
A wide variety of vegetables can be grilled on a grill pan. Some of the most popular vegetables that are grilled are the ones that complement the steaks all too well, such as zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, and carrots, to name a few.
Sandwiches
Who loves to make sandwiches for everyone during the afternoon? Making your sandwiches and grilling them over is one of the best ways to entice grill marks for the kids. Just be sure to cook them under low to moderate heat to achieve the best outcome. Grilling them over high heat burns the bread too fast.
Benefits of Having a Grill Pan
If you know what a grill pan is and how it can be used, then some things may prove beneficial on your side. Here are some of them:
Grill Marks
As mentioned earlier, if you want your seared lamb chops or steak to have some intricate detail, such as grill marks, then have yourself a grill pan.
Great for Indoor Cooking
Who says you can't achieve grill marks when going for indoor cooking? A grill pan works in different kinds of indoor cooking schemes, and this means you don't have to go outside burning your piece of wood to achieve one.
Juicy Meat
Thanks to their raised grilled edges, it prevents the meat from being broiled down by its juices. Instead, you can gather all the juices at the bottom after it’s done cooking and serve it up with a nice sauce.
Safe Cooking
They are versatile products that can be used in a myriad of ways. Their nonstick design allows the food to retain its full flavor. The grilled edges also allow the juice and oil to stay at the bottom for a healthier cooking option.
Overall, a grill pan has many advantages compared to your regular frying pan. However, it is vital to know the difference between different kinds of pans and their primary uses.
What to Look for in a Grill Pan
While you can pick a grill pan, there are a few things you must know. Here are the things to know and consider when you want to buy a grill pan and know more about a grill pan:
Handle
If you plan on buying a grill pan, the longer the handle is, the best it is for you as you are far away from the heat source.
Build Quality
There are tons of options for this department, but the best choice would be the cast iron, as it helps even out the heat and retains it for long stretches. There are also aluminized and stainless steel options.
Shape
This all depends on what you need. If you use grill pans for cooking patties, regular-sized meats, you go for small to medium-sized ones. Also, there are round-shaped and box-shaped grill pans, but this is only for your preference.
Surface
Grill pans are either enameled or pre-seasoned. Enameled grill pans are easier to release compared to stainless steel. Stainless steel is quite tricky to clean as the oils and juice settle at the pan's bottom part. Here's how to learn more about pans.
Conclusion
A grill pan is a good way to enjoy grilling inside the comfort of your home. Not only do they provide grill marks but also tons of uses as well. Knowing what a grill pan is and how it works will truly maximize this impressive cookware.
Finally, whatever cooking method you choose, a grill pan can serve its purpose efficiently. Plus, these cooking wares are quite affordable and comes with tons of features. Make sure always to choose the right one for your cooking needs.
