Putting shake and bake on the grill is absolutely possible, though it requires a bit of preparation and care to ensure it turns out well. Shake and bake is a seasoned breadcrumb coating mix that provides flavor and crunch to chicken, pork chops, fish fillets, and more. It’s commonly used in oven baking or frying, but works nicely on the grill too when handled properly.
Why Put Shake and Bake on the Grill?
There are a few good reasons you may want to use shake and bake on the grill:
- Adds flavor – The seasoning mix provides tasty herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and other flavors as the coating crisps up.
- Provides texture – The breadcrumbs give a crisp, crunchy exterior while the inside stays juicy.
- Quick and easy – It’s a fast way to add lots of flavor without complex marinades or sauces.
- Lower fat – Grilling allows excess fat to drip away rather than frying in oil or butter.
- Ideal for small or thin cuts – It works well on foods that are prone to drying out on the grill.
- Fun presentation – The coated exterior looks attractive and appetizing.
So if you want to enjoy the ease and flavor of shake and bake without heating up the kitchen, give it a try on the grill!
How to Grill Foods with Shake and Bake
Grilling shake and bake recipes takes a little more care than oven baking, but follows the same basic process:
- Pat protein pieces dry – Remove excess moisture so the coating adheres.
- Season or marinate (optional) – For extra flavor, use spices, herbs, sauces, etc before coating.
- Coat with shake and bake – Follow package directions to fully cover pieces.
- Let rest briefly – Gives time for coating to adhere to the surface.
- Grill on medium heat – Avoid high heat that can burn the exterior.
- Flip halfway – Cook evenly on both sides until crisp and cooked through.
- Test for doneness – Cut into a piece to check it’s done inside.
- Let rest before serving – Allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender results.
The key things to keep in mind are preventing the coating from falling off on the grill and not using too high of heat that risks burning the exterior before the inside is fully cooked. As long as you follow these steps, you can absolutely use shake and bake successfully on the barbecue.
Tips for Grilling Shake and Bake Coated Foods
Follow these tips for the very best results:
- Use oil – Lightly brush or spray oil on food before coating to help it stick. Olive, vegetable, coconut, or avocado oil all work well.
- Really press in the coating – Don’t be shy, firmly pack those breadcrumbs on to get a thick layer.
- Slow and low heat – Keep temps around 300-350??F to avoid scorching the outside.
- Grill skin side down first for chicken – Crisps the skin nicely to help hold coating.
- Close the lid – This helps the inside cook through without over-browning.
- Use indirect heat if needed – Place food away from direct heat to prevent burning.
- Choose firm, dry proteins – Wet, delicate fish or other soft proteins will likely fall apart.
With these tips in mind, you can feel confident grilling up flavorful, crunchy shake and bake recipes outdoors.
Best Proteins for Shake and Bake on the Grill
While you can try shake and bake on nearly any protein, some hold up better than others on the grill. Good options include:
Chicken Pieces
Bone-in chicken parts like drumsticks, thighs, wings, or split breasts work very well. The skin and bones help the coating adhere during grilling. Cook over medium indirect heat 40-60 minutes until 165??F internal temperature.
Pork Chops
Go for 1-inch thick, bone-in pork chops for the best results. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 145??F. Brush with a glaze the last few minutes.
Beef Cube Steaks
These thin, inexpensive steaks cook fast and get very crisp and flavorful. Grill 4-6 minutes per side over medium heat until internal temp hits 160??F.
Fish Fillets
Use a firm fish like salmon, halibut, or cod that can hold up on the grill. Cook skin-side down first if possible. Grill over medium heat 3-5 minutes per side until flaky.
Shrimp
Peel, devein, and pat extra dry before coating jumbo shrimp. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Brush with melted butter at the end.
Firm Vegetables
Try coating sliced zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or root vegetables. Par-cook first to soften, then coat and grill until crispy.
Avoid fragile proteins like scallops or flaky fish that will likely fall apart. Also pass on very fatty meats that can cause flare-ups from drippings.
Cooking Times for Grilled Shake and Bake
Cooking times will vary based on thickness and doneness preferences. Use an instant read thermometer for best results. General grill times are:
| Food | Thickness/Weight | Grill Time Per Side |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1-inch thick | 8-12 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | Bone-in | 12-18 minutes |
| Drumsticks | Small | 15-20 minutes |
| Pork chops | 1-inch thick | 6-8 minutes |
| Beef steaks | 1/2-inch thick | 4-6 minutes |
| Shrimp | Jumbo | 2-3 minutes |
| Fish fillets | 1/2- to 1-inch | 3-5 minutes |
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer and check for doneness a few minutes before the estimated time.
Delicious Shake and Bake Grill Recipes
Here are some fantastic shake and bake recipes ideal for grilling:
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Coat chicken drumsticks with mustard, then shake and bake crust. Grill until cooked through, then brush with bbq sauce the last few minutes. The sauce helps the coating caramelize without burning.
Parmesan Pork Chops
Before coating with shake and bake, sprinkle pork chops with Italian seasoning and grated parmesan. The cheese browns nicely and adds extra flavor.
Lemon Pepper Fish Packets
For moister results, wrap coated fish fillets in foil packets with lemon slices and grill. The steam inside helps keep fish from drying out.
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
Toss shrimp with a spicy seasoning blend before coating in shake and bake. Grill quickly just until opaque, then toss in a sweet chili sauce.
Pesto Vegetables
Brush sliced squash, peppers, or eggplant with pesto, then coat and grill for a delicious meatless main or side.
Feel free to get creative with spices, glazes, and sauces that complement the savory coating.
Cleaning the Grill Grates
The crumbs and seasoning mix can leave behind residue on the grill grates. Be sure to brush the grates thoroughly pre- and post- grilling to prevent any sticking or buildup.
Here are some tips for cleaning the grill after shake and bake recipes:
- Use a stiff wire grill brush to scrub grates after cooking.
- For stubborn debris, let the grates heat up, then carefully scrape with a grill scraper.
- Layer heavy duty foil over the grates for easier cleanup.
- Clean with dish soap and warm water if needed.
- For charred on food, soak grates in hot water before scrubbing.
- Re-oil grates after cleaning to prevent rusting.
A little extra cleaning is worth the tasty, crunchy results of shake and bake on the grill!
Safety Tips
When working with a hot grill, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Don’t leave the grill unattended when in use.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Use proper tools – long handled grill tools and heat-resistant mitts.
- Avoid loose clothing that could catch fire.
- Position grill in a safe area away from siding, trees, etc.
- Let grill fully cool before moving or storing.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby just in case.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption around the grill.
Always put safety first so you can have peace of mind while grilling up tasty shake and bake recipes outside.
FAQs
Can you use an air fryer instead of grilling?
Yes, an air fryer works great for cooking shake and bake coated foods! Simply coat as usual, then air fry at 400??F for the recommended time, flipping halfway. This allows you to enjoy the crunch indoors.
Should you flip shake and bake items while grilling?
Definitely flip at least once halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Use tongs gently to keep the coating intact when flipping.
What if the coating falls off on the grill?
If some pieces of the coating flake off, that’s ok! There should still be enough embedded into the food to provide flavor and texture. Try pressing the coating on more firmly next time.
Can you put shake and bake in the oven and finish on the grill?
Yes, this works well! Partially bake in a 425??F oven until nearly cooked through, then move to a hot grill to crisp and char the outside coating.
What food safety precautions should you take with shake and bake?
Be sure to cook fully to safe internal temperatures – 165??F for chicken, 145??F for pork, 160??F for beef. Discard any that look undercooked. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Conclusion
Shake and bake on the grill makes for a fast, flavorful way to cook up juicy, crunchy proteins and veggies. Just use some simple preparation techniques like oiling the food first and searing over medium heat. Let cooked foods rest before serving to lock in moisture. Be sure to safely handle and grill foods to proper temperatures. Follow the tips here and enjoy fun, fresh-air cooking with classic shake and bake recipes.