Indirect Grilling Techniques Improve Outdoor Grill Options and Flavor

Cooking outdoors on a grill is one of the most delicious and health-conscious ways to prepare meals. Natural gas grills also offer a lot of fun and give chefs the chance to diversify their culinary skills. For instance, having the ability to choose between direct or indirect grilling allows both professional chefs and casual backyard barbecue enthusiasts to cook thick cuts of meat, whole chickens, and even vegetables in a unique manner. While direct-heat grilling is ideal for perfectly seared hamburgers and similar dishes, some recipes really benefit from a more refined cooking process.

Indirect grilling, as the name suggests, involves placing food items away from the direct heat source and slowly cooking them. This method often requires additional tools such as a grill timer and a secondary grill rack. Home cooks and foodservice professionals alike, including caterers and restaurants with outdoor dining areas, frequently opt for pedestal grills due to their efficiency in terms of space and cost. The AEI Legacy series of natural gas grills has been gaining popularity as a high-quality option.

People who already own an outdoor grill know that cooking directly over an open flame has its limits. Sure, it seals in the juices of many meats, seafood, and vegetables, delivering intense flavors that can be quite overwhelming. However, truly thick cuts of meat and whole poultry perform best when cooked slowly. Indirect techniques on properly equipped pedestal grills can elevate your cooking to the next level, making it possible to prepare those premium cuts that were once reserved for indoor ovens. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or running a foodservice business, mastering indirect grilling techniques can set you apart.

Why Indirect Grilling Makes a Difference

Indirect grilling is all about taking your time. Instead of placing food directly over the flames, chefs move it to a cooler part of the grill where it cooks gently. This approach typically involves specific accessories like a timer and a second rack. Commercial kitchens and home chefs alike find pedestal grills particularly useful since they combine practicality with affordability. The AEI Legacy series stands out for its quality and versatility.

Those who regularly use their outdoor grills understand that direct cooking over an open flame isn’t always ideal. While it does create a nice crust and seal in moisture, attempting to grill thick cuts of meat or entire birds directly often leads to uneven results. Slow-cooking these items indirectly yields better outcomes in terms of texture and flavor. With the right setup, you can achieve restaurant-quality meals right in your backyard.

Practical Indirect Grilling Methods

Before delving into the three main methods used by chefs, it’s essential to recognize that indirect grilling works best on natural gas grills like AEI’s commercial and residential Legacy lines. Although some people attempt indirect grilling on charcoal models, these setups lack the design and accessories necessary for effective indirect cooking. Blocking direct heat, positioning grease trays, and managing airflow becomes complicated and imprecise unless you’re an engineer. On the other hand, natural gas grills are specifically engineered for indirect grilling, which becomes clear when considering these three techniques:

• Side-Burner Method: This involves activating burners located away from the food and allowing the radiant heat to cook it slowly. It’s straightforward when using a professional-grade outdoor grill.
• Rack-Level Technique: Here, the food is placed higher up on the grill rack, far from the heat source. Many chefs simply set the timer and let the grill do its job, achieving a level of precision without constant supervision.
• Hybrid Approach: Combining direct and indirect methods, this technique starts with searing the food over direct heat before moving it to indirect settings. Alternatively, you might start with indirect cooking and finish with a quick sear. Either way, it combines the best of both worlds.

In terms of culinary excellence, indirect grilling opens doors for chefs to not only preserve smoky flavors and juicy textures but also to explore new recipes and thicker cuts of meat. It gives you the freedom to experiment and innovate while maintaining the authenticity of traditional grilling.

Trending Outdoor Grill Accessories

One of the most significant shifts in natural gas grill trends is the integration of infrared rotisseries. This development mirrors the growing demand from consumers for pre-cooked items, such as roasted chickens sold by major grocery stores. As a result, home chefs and restaurateurs are increasingly adding accessories like side shelves for extra workspace and grill timers. Timers are indispensable when working with rotisseries or perfecting indirect grilling techniques.

AEI natural gas grills can be purchased fully loaded with accessories or upgraded later based on individual needs. These innovations represent the future of outdoor cooking, offering endless possibilities for enhancing your grilling experience!