Grill Pans: Tips

• Grill pans allow you to enjoy the flavor and texture of grilled meat and vegetables without firing up the outdoor grill. The pans have raised ridges that emulate the ridges of an outdoor grill rack. These ridges allow you to sear the outside of food in much the same manner that an outdoor grill does.

Choosing a Pan

• Grill pans come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 10 inches to 18 inches square. Choose smaller pans if you only cook for one or two people, or a larger pan for bigger families. A larger pan also allows you to grill both vegetables and meat at the same time. When shopping for a pan, look for cast iron pans or those with nonstick coatings for easy clean up. The higher quality nonstick pans remain useful for many years, but a cheap pan's coating will often flake off sooner.

Cleaning Grill Pans

• Cast iron grill pans must be seasoned like all cast iron cooking implements, but if properly cared for they will last a lifetime. Seasoning consists of coating the pan in oil and baking it for an hour, which helps the oil soak into the porous iron. Don't soak cast iron pans or place them in the dishwasher. Instead, rinse the pan in soapy water and wipe off any remaining residue with a clean cloth. Most nonstick coated grill pans are dishwasher safe. Avoid harsh abrasives that may scratch the nonstick coating.

Preparing Food for Grill Pans

• Coat meat and vegetables in a thin layer of olive oil. If marinating the food prior to cooking, avoid adding honey, barbecue sauce or other items high in sugar until after the food is nearly cooked, otherwise the grill pan's ridges may burn the sugar and give the food a bitter flavor. Most marinades and seasonings that work well on outdoor grills also add a nice flavor when used in a grill pan.

Seasoning Ideas

• Marinades imbue foods with rich flavor, making them suitable for foods cooked quickly in a grill pan. Use simple seasonings so the flavor of the meat or vegetables is able to take center stage. A simple marinade of olive oil and garlic works well for both chicken and beef. Add a bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a richer taste. The high heat of a grill pan brings out the natural flavor of vegetables, so use simple seasonings that complement the vegetable rather than overpowering it. A coating of olive oil with a bit of salt and coarse ground pepper is usually sufficient.

Cooking Temperatures

• Cast-iron grill pans provide optimum cooking at high heat. Turn either the electric or gas burner to its highest setting. Add the food when the pan becomes sizzling hot. Nonstick pans are more likely to flake when used at high heat, so keep the burner set to medium to medium-high heat when using a nonstick pan. Once the pan is hot, place your meat or vegetable inside. Allow one side to cook thoroughly before turning the food. If the food sticks to the pan, it isn't time to flip it yet.