Who doesn’t like grilled items? Well, there are exceptions but if you are into grilled meats this article is for you. If you’ve ever been to a backyard party you’ve likely seen a grill mat. Grilled food is super tasty only if you know how to cook it. You must know that it’s not the easiest cooking job and you must need to know how to use a grill mat.
Grilling can turn out to be messy and does require a lot of patience and expertise to deal with. In the cooking process, a chef simply doesn’t put the meat in contact with flames. Doing so will burn the meat. This is where grill mats come in handy. Today we are here to guide you about how to use a grill mat for a perfect cooking experience.
Table of Contents
What Is A Grill Mat?
A grill mat is a non-stick fiberglass cloth coated with heat-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It can be used on charcoal stoves, gas grill pans and electric ones as well. A grill mat is a durable item that you can use to cook almost anything. It is washable, dishwasher friendly, and can be used extensively without any problem.
How To Use A Grill Mat Steps By Steps
If you own a grill mat you must know how to use it. Following a few simple steps will make your cooking experience a pleasant one.
Step 1: Clean the mat
Thoroughly wash your grill mat with warm soapy water. Cleaning is part of your hygiene. So always go through this step before you rack up the mat on the grate. You can use a hint of olive oil on the surface too and wipe it with a spatula before you use the mat for the first time. This ensures the food doesn’t stick to the surface. Although grill mats are non-sticky, so you don’t have to worry too much about it.
Step 2: Place it on the grill
Spark the fire. Put the metal grate on the electric or gas grill. Then place the grill mat on the grate. If you are using a large surface area. You can use two or more mats according to your need.
Step 3: Apply your food
Grill mats are versatile for cooking meat and side dishes. You can give way to onions, potatoes, eggs etc directly on the mat. These foods won’t survive indirect heat, so mats come in as a lifesaver. You must make sure the temperature stays under 500 degrees for a safe and ideal cooking task. Such mats are designed to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Place meat, seafood, side dishes, whatever you prefer directly on the mat.
Step 4: Use silicone utensils
We recommend you use silicone or plastic accessories. Don’t go for something that has metal tips, or utensils made of metal. It’s not safe for the pan as it is likely to cause scratches on the metal surface.
Step 5: Rewash and store it
Once you are done with the cooking, it is super important that you clean your grill mats again. This will ensure cleanliness and a longer serving life. Grilling will discharge a lot of oil so you better keep the mat tidy.
Wait for the surface to cool down. Remove the mat and then give it a thorough cleaning. Use a soft cloth and dishwasher to gently clean the outer layer. You must wash the mat after every use. It’s best not to work on an unclean mat.
BBQ grilling mats will inevitably catch sticky residues after using them. If you don’t maintain it, it won’t last long for the next usage. To make it look fresh and new. You better perform a cleaning task.
How To Clean And Maintain A Grill Mat Properly
The best way to do it is by soaking the mat in soapy water for an hour or longer if you have the time. Why hurry? Give it some time. Take it off and wipe all the surfaces clean with a soft damp cloth. If there are sticky elements attached to the mat. Use a mild scrubber to efface the outer layer. To get rid of stubborn residues you can place them under a hot water tap.
Simply avoid piling the grill mats on top of each other. It can lead to scratches and degrade the quality when stored. Make sure there is no moisture before storing it. This will prevent rusting and decolourization. The minimal the contact with the nonstick surface during storage, the better it will last.
Benefits of using grill mats
Grill mats provide a clean and smooth surface for you to cook. What else do you need? Way better than aluminium foils and grilling pan. Flip your foods on a mat and they won’t barge, whereas foils will fall apart.
Grill mats can be cut to any size and shape fitting any rack you prefer. They have nonstick features that will not harm the surface or your foot. Keeping it clean and tidy. These mats are easy to clean and can be washed by hand using a dishwasher. They can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for grilling meat and other side dishes.
Can grill mats be used on any grilling smoker?
Grilling smokers come with racks and if there is a rack you can certainly fit in a grill mat.
What kind of food can be grilled on a grilling mat?
The best thing about using a mat is that you can throw in delicate foods such as veggies and sides on the grilling surface and get a perfectly cooked dish. From hotdogs to pancakes, seafood to steaks you can sear almost anything.
Final verdict
Having a grill mat simply gives your backyard bbq rack a decent appearance. It also plays a major role in the taste of the food. Grilling directly over flames and with a mat on simply has major differences. You will love how these heat resistant clothes serve your food. The multipurpose aspect of it makes it a versatile cooking gear. All being said, knowing how to use a grill mat is crucial, otherwise, you will end up mismanaging or ruining your food. Reading this write-up will certainly help you get used to this product. Hurry up, get hold of a mat and start broiling!
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