Grill Pans

A grill pan is used for cooking food indoors while mimicking the effects of outdoor grilling. It has raised ridges that create sear marks, enhance flavor, and allow fat to drain away, making it a healthier cooking option.

Common Uses of a Grill Pan:
Cooking Meat: Great for grilling steaks, chicken, burgers, lamb chops, and sausages, creating a charred, smoky effect.

Grilling Vegetables: Enhances the flavor of bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, and onions with nice sear marks.

Cooking Seafood: Perfect for salmon, shrimp, tuna steaks, and scallops, retaining moisture while achieving a grilled texture.

Toasting Sandwiches & Paninis: Acts as a makeshift panini press for grilled cheese or other toasted sandwiches.

Cooking Fruits: Caramelises natural sugars in pineapples, peaches, apples, and watermelon for a delicious dessert.

It’s a versatile kitchen tool that allows you to enjoy grilled food year-round without an outdoor grill.

Using a grill pan is simple, but to get the best results, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Grill Pan
Place the grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
Let it heat up for 5–10 minutes until it's hot—this helps create good sear marks.
2. Lightly Oil the Food (Not the Pan)
Do not oil the pan directly as it can cause excessive smoking.
Instead, brush or toss oil (like vegetable, canola, or olive oil) onto the food.
This prevents sticking and enhances the grilled effect.
3. Place the Food on the Grill Pan
Lay your food diagonally across the ridges for the best grill marks.
Avoid overcrowding—leave space so heat can circulate.
4. Let the Food Cook Without Moving It
Don’t move it right away—let it sear for a few minutes before flipping.
Flip only once for even cooking and the best sear marks.
5. Check for Doneness & Flip
For meat, use a meat thermometer:
Chicken: 75°C (165°F)
Steak (medium-rare): 57°C (135°F)
Fish: 63°C (145°F)
Vegetables and fruits take a few minutes per side.
6. Finish Cooking & Serve
Once cooked to your liking, remove from heat.
Let meat rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier results.
7. Clean the Grill Pan
Let the pan cool slightly, then clean it with warm water and a brush.
For tough residue, soak briefly before scrubbing—avoid harsh soap on cast iron.
If it's cast iron, dry it completely and apply a light layer of oil to prevent rust.

A grill pan is a versatile tool that allows you to cook a wide variety of foods, giving them the signature sear marks and smoky flavour of outdoor grilling. Whether you're preparing meats, seafood, vegetables, or even fruits, a grill pan can elevate your cooking with minimal effort.

One of the most common uses of a grill pan is for cooking meats and poultry. Steaks, chicken breasts, pork chops, sausages, and burgers all develop a beautiful sear and retain their juiciness when cooked on a preheated grill pan. To ensure perfect doneness, it's best to use a meat thermometer—steak is ideal at around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, while chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

Seafood is another excellent choice for a grill pan. Salmon, shrimp, tuna steaks, and scallops cook quickly and take on a slightly smoky flavour when grilled. To prevent seafood from sticking, it's a good idea to lightly brush it with oil before placing it on the pan. Cooking seafood on a grill pan allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.

Grilled vegetables make a delicious and healthy side dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, mushrooms, and corn on the cob all develop a rich, charred flavor when grilled. Tossing vegetables in olive oil and seasoning before placing them on the pan enhances their natural taste and helps prevent sticking.

Fruits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a grill pan, but grilling certain fruits can bring out their natural sweetness. Pineapple, peaches, apples, pears, and even watermelon caramelise slightly when exposed to high heat, making them perfect for desserts, salads, or even as a side for grilled meats.

A grill pan is also useful for toasting sandwiches and bread. Paninis and grilled cheese sandwiches develop a crispy, golden crust, while garlic bread, flatbreads, and tortillas gain a deliciously charred touch. Pressing sandwiches down with a spatula ensures even grilling and a uniform texture.

For plant-based eaters, a grill pan works wonders with tofu, tempeh, and veggie burgers. These ingredients absorb marinades well and grill beautifully, offering a satisfying texture and deep flavours. Pressing firm tofu before grilling helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to develop a crispy crust.

Overall, a grill pan is a fantastic kitchen tool that brings the essence of outdoor grilling indoors. Whether you're preparing a hearty steak, a fresh vegetable medley, or a sweet caramelised fruit dish, this pan helps you achieve restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your home.