List Of Foods You Should Never Cook On the Grill
I love grilling foods in the summer, but there are a few foods that you should never put on the grill. While grilling is fantastic for burgers and veggies, some foods just aren’t cut out for the flames. From delicate fish that fall apart to certain cheeses that create a gooey mess, we’re here to save your cookout from potential disasters. Take a look at these 12 foods that you should never put on the grill.
Fish like tilapia, flounder, and sole are too delicate for the grill. These fish tend to fall apart easily and can stick to the grates, making them difficult to handle. They will not only make a mess but be impossible to eat. Instead, opt for thicker, sturdier fish like salmon, swordfish, or tuna that will hold up better in the heat.
Delicate Fruits are not ideal for grilling. They are too lightweight and can easily burn or fall through the grill grates. While some fruits can be grilled if they are part of a larger dish, it’s generally best to cook them in a sauté pan or place them on skewers and wrap them in foil before grilling. You could also grab a grill basket so the smaller fruits do not fall through the grates and into the fire.
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese melt quickly and can create a mess on the grill. They can drip through the grates and cause flare-ups, making them difficult to manage. Stick to firmer cheeses if you want to add a cheesy element to your grilled dishes. Add the soft cheeses to your meal once your main course is off the grill.
Rice and pasta must be cooked in boiling water to achieve the proper texture that grilling does not provide. Always cook your rice and pasta on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, and consider grilling them after cooking if you want to add a smoky flavor. Cooked rice that has been smoked after boiling has a very interesting flavor. Make sure the container you use to smoke the rice is fire proof!
Bacon’s high-fat content can lead to grease dripping onto the flames, causing flare-ups and potential fires. Additionally, bacon strips can slip through the grates. Cooking bacon in a skillet or oven is safer and easier. You can also try using an indoor flat-top griddle that will catch the bacon grease as it drips off.
Avocado is best enjoyed fresh in salads, spreads, or as a topping. If you want to incorporate avocado into your grilled dishes, add it after the other ingredients have been cooked and removed from the grill. The high heat from grilling can cause the avocado to become mushy and lose its flavor. Avocados are too messy and too delicate to put on a nice, clean, hot grill.
If you peel them first, shrimp are prone to drying out and sticking to the grill’s grates. For better results, grill your shrimp with the shells still on or thread them onto skewers to help retain moisture and make them easier to handle. Remember that shrimp cook very fast, so they may quickly dry out if left on the grill for too long. Be sure to set a timer if you choose to cook shrimp on a grill.
Tofu can stick to the grill and break apart if not handled carefully. If you want to grill tofu, it’s important to use firm or extra-firm varieties and press out as much moisture as possible beforehand. Softer tofu will fall off the skewers and into the hot grill flames. For a more reliable cooking method, consider pan-frying or baking tofu to achieve a crispy exterior.
Grilling chocolate is a recipe for disaster. The heat from the open flame will melt it quickly, creating a sticky, burnt mess on your grill. If you’re craving a chocolatey treat with a smoky flavor, consider making s’mores for that grilled chocolatey taste. Chocolate and high heat do not mix! You definitely will not like the taste of burned chocolate.
Breaded foods like chicken tenders or fish sticks are not suitable for grilling. The breading can burn easily and fall off, leaving a charred mess. If you want a grilled version, consider using a grill-safe breading alternative or opting for a crunchy grilled topping. Stick to frying or baking breaded foods for much better results.
