What is Shake and Bake?
Shake ‘n Bake is a seasoned coating mix made by Kraft Heinz that is designed to allow you to quickly and easily bread and flavor proteins like chicken, pork chops, and fish fillets. The Shake ‘n Bake coating mix comes in a bag and contains salt, spices, flour, and breadcrumbs. To use it, you simply place the protein in a plastic bag, add the Shake ‘n Bake, seal the bag, and shake it to evenly coat the food. The coating helps seal in juices and gives the exterior a crispy, flavorful crust when baked.
Some of the benefits of using Shake ‘n Bake include:
- It’s fast – No need to drag out multiple bowls for dredging and breading.
- It’s easy – Just shake the bag and your protein is coated.
- It adds lots of flavor – The blend of spices and herbs gives food great taste.
- The coating is crispy – When baked, Shake ‘n Bake gives a crunchy exterior.
- It locks in moisture – The coating seals the natural juices.
So if you want a quick and easy way to add crunchy, bold flavor to proteins, Shake ‘n Bake can be a convenient shortcut.
Can You Use Shake and Bake on a BBQ?
Yes, you can absolutely use Shake ‘n Bake to coat proteins that you then cook on a barbecue grill. The Shake ‘n Bake will add spice, crunch, and flavor that pairs deliciously with the charred, smoky notes from the grill.
There are a few tips for successfully using Shake ‘n Bake on the BBQ:
- Pat proteins dry before shaking – You want the coating to stick so make sure the surface of the food is dry first.
- Use indirect heat – Go for medium or medium-low heat and avoid direct flames which can burn the coating before the inside is cooked.
- Watch carefully – Keep an eye on foods coated in Shake ‘n Bake to prevent burning or drying out.
- Consider partially pre-cooking – For thicker cuts like bone-in chicken pieces or chops, par-cook first to help them cook through on the grill before the outside burns.
- Brush with oil or sauce – Lightly brushing with oil or BBQ sauce helps keep foods moist and adds even more flavor.
The spices and texture of the Shake ‘n Bake make it a great match for barbecue grilling. Just be sure to regulate the heat and keep a close watch so you don’t burn that tasty coating.
Tips for Using Shake and Bake on the Grill
Here are some top tips to get the best results when using Shake ‘n Bake to coat proteins you’ll be grilling:
1. Get the Grill Ready
Be sure to prep your grill properly before throwing on Shake ‘n Baked foods. Clean the grates well and brush or scrape off any residue. Also brush a thin layer of oil on the grates to help prevent sticking. Get the grill preheated to the temperature you want for optimal cooking.
2. Pat Foods Completely Dry
It’s important that the surface of the food is dry before coating in Shake ‘n Bake. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat off any moisture. If damp foods are put into the coating, it will become gummy and won’t stick as well.
3. Seal in A Plastic Bag
Place the protein in a sealable plastic bag along with the desired amount of Shake ‘n Bake. Close the bag securely and shake vigorously to evenly distribute. Make sure all surfaces get covered.
4. Add Some Oil
Right before putting the coated food on the grill, give it a light brush or misting with vegetable oil. This helps the coating develop a crispy, crunchy texture.
5. Use Medium Heat
Avoid direct high heat when grilling Shake ‘n Baked proteins. The coating can burn easily while the inside remains undercooked. Shoot for medium heat, around 350-375°F.
6. Cook Over Indirect Heat
Position foods coated in Shake ‘n Bake on the grill grate over indirect heat. This gentler heat lets it cook through without burning the exterior. Close the lid as it grills.
7. Flip Carefully
Use tongs and a spatula to gently flip foods coated in Shake ‘n Bake. You want the coating to stay intact so don’t be too aggressive when turning.
8. Brush With Sauce Near End
Shortly before the food is finished grilling, brush with barbecue sauce or other glaze. This adds delicious flavor and helps keep the exterior from drying out.
Follow these tips and you’ll get beautifully caramelized, crunchy Shake ‘n Bake dishes off the grill. Just keep a close eye on foods and adjust heat as needed.
Shake and Bake Recipe Ideas for the Grill
There are lots of great ways to use Shake ‘n Bake when grilling. Here are some tasty recipe ideas:
Shake ‘n Bake Chicken Drumsticks
Coat chicken drumsticks in Shake ‘n Bake then grill over indirect medium heat, turning occasionally and brushing with barbecue sauce at the end.
Shake ‘n Bake Pork Chops
Give bone-in or boneless pork chops a flavorful Shake ‘n Bake crust before grilling until cooked through and lightly charred.
Shake ‘n Bake Salmon
Salmon fillets coated in lemon pepper Shake ‘n Bake develop an amazing crunchy texture when grilled. Delicious and easy.
Shake ‘n Bake Shrimp
For fast weeknight meals, shake shrimp in Shake ‘n Bake and then grill them over a hot grate for 5 minutes per side.
Shake ‘n Bake Tofu
Add crunch and flavor to grilled tofu by shaking it in Shake ‘n Bake first. Grill until lightly browned and crispy.
Shake ‘n Bake Vegetable Skewers
Load up skewers with veggies like zucchini, onions, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms then coat in Shake ‘n Bake before grilling.
Get creative with the Shake ‘n Bake flavors and proteins you use. This simple coating is endlessly adaptable for making easy and delicious grilled meals.
Pros and Cons of Using Shake and Bake on the Grill
There are some advantages and a few potential drawbacks to using Shake ‘n Bake on the barbecue grill:
Pros:
- Adds lots of flavor
- Creates a crispy coating
- Seals in juices
- Minimal prep work
- Works well with many proteins
- Grilling lends smoky flavor
Potential Cons:
- Can burn easily if not watched
- High heat can overcook interior
- May fall off protein if not dry enough initially
- Can dry out if not basted or misted
- Less control over seasoning amounts
Overall, Shake ‘n Bake does pair beautifully with grilled foods. Just keep a close eye on it and adjust heat levels as needed. The tasty crunch and caramelization are hard to beat. Monitor for any burning or drying and brush with oil or sauce for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using Shake ‘n Bake on the barbecue:
Is it safe to eat Shake ‘n Bake off the grill?
Yes, Shake ‘n Bake is totally safe to eat on foods like chicken, pork, fish and veggies after being cooked on the grill. The heat from the barbecue grill cooks both the coating and the food properly and safely.
Does Shake ‘n Bake burn easily on the grill?
Shake ‘n Bake can burn if subjected to direct high heat on the grill. Use a medium or indirect heat and keep a close watch as it cooks. Lower heat and move food if edges start to blacken.
Should you pre-cook meat before Shake ‘n Bake on the grill?
Thicker cuts of chicken or pork may benefit from partial pre-cooking before getting coated in Shake ‘n Bake and finished on the grill. This helps ensure even cooking.
What temperature should you grill Shake ‘n Bake at?
Aim for a medium grill temperature around 325-375°F. This allows the coating to get crispy and browned without burning before the inside is fully cooked.
How long does it take to grill Shake ‘n Bake chicken?
Cooking time can vary based on thickness. In general, bone-in chicken pieces take about 40-50 minutes at medium heat, flipping halfway through. Brush with sauce at the end.
Conclusion
Shake ‘n Bake adds its signature crunch, spices, and flavor to proteins and veggies grilled on the barbecue. Follow some simple tips like patting food dry, using indirect heat, and brushing with oil or sauce. Monitor closely to prevent burning or drying out. With the right technique, Shake ‘n Bake pairs perfectly with smoky, charred grill flavors for easy backyard meals. Be creative with recipes and enjoy this tasty coating off the grill.