GRILLING METHODS
The most important thing to know about grilling is which cooking method to use for a specific food, direct or indirect. The difference is simple: place the food directly over the heat, or arrange the heat on either side of it. Using the right method is the shortest route to great
Direct Method
Indirect Method
Direct Method
The direct method, similar to broiling, means the food is grilled directly over the heat source. For even grilling, food should be turned once.
The direct method is best for relatively small, tender pieces of food that cook quickly, such as hamburgers, steaks, chops, boneless chicken pieces, fish fillets, shellfish, and sliced vegetables. Direct grilling is also necessary to sear meats. Searing creates that wonderful crisp, caramelized texture where the food hits the grate. It also adds great color and flavor to the entire surface. Steaks, chops, chicken breasts, and larger cuts of meat all benefit from searing.
To sear meats, place them over direct high heat for 2 to 5 minutes per side. Smaller pieces require less searing time. Usually after searing you finish grilling the food at a lower temperature. You can finish grilling fast- cooking foods by the direct method; use the indirect method for
To set up your gas grill for direct grilling, preheat the grill with all burners on high. Place food on the cooking grate, then adjust all burners to the temperature noted in the recipe. Close the lid of the grill and lift it only to turn food or to test for doneness at the end of the recommended cooking time.
Indirect Method
The indirect method is similar to roasting, but with the added benefits of that grilled texture, flavor, and appearance you can’t get from an oven. To set up your gas grill for indirect cooking, burners are lit on either side of the food but not directly beneath it. Heat rises, reflects off the lid and inside surfaces of the grill, and circulates to slowly cook the food evenly on all sides, much like a convection oven, so there’s no need to turn the food.
The indirect method is best for larger, tougher foods that require longer cooking times, such as roasts, whole chickens, and ribs.
To set up your gas grill for indirect grilling, preheat the grill with all burners on high. Then adjust the burners on each side of the food to the temperature noted in the recipe and turn off the burner(s) directly below the food. For best results, place roasts, poultry, or large cuts of meat on a roasting rack set inside a disposable
For longer cooking times, add water to the drip pan to keep drippings from burning. The drippings can be used to make gravies or sauces.
3
