How to Use Grill Basket
Are you looking for a way to simplify your grilling routine? The grill basket is here to help! This handy tool allows you to cook delicate foods on the grill with ease—no more worrying about ruining your meal with stray sparks.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how a simple grill basket can revolutionize your outdoor cooking experience. We’ll discuss tips and tricks for how to use grill basket and get the most out of your food, as well as provide advice on selecting and using different types of baskets for various recipes.
Plus, get inspired by our selection of delicious grilled dishes perfect for any occasion! So if you love grilling but want a simpler way to do it without sacrificing flavor or texture, then read on—you won’t regret it!
What Foods Can You Cook in a Grill Basket?
Grill baskets are versatile pieces of cooking equipment that can be used for a variety of dishes. In general, food that can be cooked on a grill can also be cooked in a grill basket. Here are some popular foods you can cook in a grill basket:
1. Seafood
Fish, shrimp, scallops, and other seafood items can all be cooked quickly and evenly in a grill basket. Start by seasoning the seafood lightly with oil, salt, and pepper. Place your seasoned seafood inside the grill basket and place it over direct heat. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping the basket halfway through. Once it is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and enjoy!
2. Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini are great additions to any meal. They come out tender and flavorful when prepared in a grill basket. To prepare vegetables in a grill basket, start by oiling the vegetables.
Use either olive oil or vegetable oil and season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings. Place the vegetables in the grill basket and place them over indirect heat on the grill. Close the lid to trap in the smoky flavor and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning the vegetables once midway through.
3. Poultry
Chicken or turkey breasts, thighs, or legs all taste great when grilled in a basket. Cook the meat until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside. Make sure to pre-season the poultry with your favorite seasonings before grilling. To determine if the chicken is done, use a thermometer and make sure it reads 165°F. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for several minutes before serving.
4. Fruits
Stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and nectarines all work well in a grill basket. These can be served alone or incorporated into salads or other dishes. Grill them until they are lightly charred and slightly softened.
Fruits such as pineapple, apples, and pears can also be used in a grill basket. Slice these fruits and add them to your grill basket for a sweet grilled flavor. Be sure not to overcook the fruit, or it may become mushy. For added sweetness, sprinkle with a touch of brown sugar before grilling.
5. Steaks & Burgers
Whether you’re grilling up burgers for a summer cookout or steak for dinner, the grill basket is an ideal choice for preparing these classic dishes. The high heat of direct flame cooking creates a delicious char on steaks and burgers that cannot be achieved otherwise.
It also ensures evenly cooked meats that are juicy and delicious. To use the grill basket for steaks and burgers, preheat your grill to high heat. Place the grill basket on the grates, and allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.
Grill baskets are incredibly useful pieces of kitchen equipment to have around because they allow you to cook so many different kinds of food quickly and easily. Use your grill basket to get creative with your next dinner or cookout.
10 Methods How to Use Grill Basket
1. Preheat your Grill:
Before using the grill basket, preheat your grill to the desired temperature based on the food you’ll be cooking. Make sure to use the appropriate amount of fuel or charcoal, and allow the temperature to stabilize before adding your food.
To check the heat level, hold your hand five inches above the grate. If you can only keep it there for four to five seconds before having to pull away, you have the correct heat level.
2. Prepare your Food:
Wash and prepare your food, such as vegetables, seafood, or small cuts of meat, as desired. Season them with oil, herbs, spices, or marinades for added flavor. To ensure that the food cooks evenly cut it into small, even-sized pieces.
If you plan to cook multiple types of food together, try to match the cooking times accordingly. To avoid cross-contamination, use separate plates for raw and cooked ingredients.
3. Spray or Brush the Grill Basket:
To prevent food from sticking, lightly spray or brush the grill basket with cooking oil or non-stick spray. This will make sure that your food is easy to remove when finished cooking. Make sure you use a brush or spray bottle with a long handle so that you don’t get too close to the heat.
Though it may take a bit of extra effort, these steps will ensure that your food is cooked properly and easily removed from the basket. Although it is possible to cook without oil, the food may stick or burn more quickly.
4. Arrange the Food in the Grill Basket:
Place the prepared food in the grill basket, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Leave some space between the pieces for even cooking. Place the basket on the hot grill and close the lid.
Grill one side of the food until it’s cooked, usually between four to eight minutes, depending on the type of food. Turn the food over to cook the other side, if needed. Grill for an additional four to eight minutes or until cooked through.
5. Close the Grill Basket:
If your grill basket has a hinged design, close it to secure the food inside. If your grill basket doesn’t have a hinged design, you can use skewers or clips to hold it together. Be sure to close the basket securely so that your food won’t fall out while cooking.
While the basket is closed, you can shake or rotate it to ensure that your food is cooked evenly. Too much shaking or rotating can cause the food to become overcooked, so be sure to monitor its progress while cooking.
6. Place the Grill Basket on the Grill:
Carefully place the grill basket on the preheated grill grates. If using a charcoal grill, make sure to spread out the charcoal evenly around the grill basket. Position the lid of your grill over the basket and leave it closed while cooking. While the food is cooking, you can flip or rotate the basket to ensure even cooking. To prevent the food from sticking to the basket, use cooking oil.
7. Cook on One Side:
Close the grill lid and cook the food on one side for a few minutes, depending on the type of food and desired level of doneness. Check frequently to avoid overcooking. If you are cooking vegetables or small pieces of food, the lid should remain open to prevent the food from steaming. You may need to adjust the grill’s temperature to ensure that the food cooks evenly.
8. Flip the Grill Basket:
Open the grill lid and use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the grill basket and cook the other side of the food. When the other side is finished, use tongs to carefully remove it from the heat. Allow the food to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled food!
9. Monitor the Cooking Process:
Keep a close eye on the food as it cooks in the grill basket. Stir or flip the food as needed to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. If the food appears to be cooking too quickly, reduce the heat of the grill for a slower cook. Make sure to check for doneness before removing the food from the basket. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meats have reached a safe temperature.
10. Remove the Grill Basket and Serve:
Once the food is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the grill basket from the grill using oven mitts or a heat-resistant glove. Let the food cool for a moment before serving directly from the grill basket or transferring it to a serving platter.
Conclusion
Overall, using a grill basket for cooking your food is an incredibly multifaceted way to cook. It adds a level of complexity, taste, and texture that you would not get from grilling with just regular grates.
From grilling vegetables, fish, shellfish, and even chicken and pork chops – the possibilities are endless. We believe that once you’ve tried cooking up your favorite meal with a grill basket, you won’t go back.
It gives the perfect mix of flavourful, smoky tastiness without having to put in any extra work or effort! So go ahead, dust off your old grill, or buy yourself a new one and give it a shot. You won’t regret it! Try using your new skills on how to use grill basket for all your summertime needs!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
