George Foreman grills are a popular kitchen appliance known for their speed and convenience in cooking meats and other foods. But how long should you actually grill for to get the best results? The answer depends on a few key factors.
Type of Food
Different foods require different grill times on a George Foreman grill. Here are some general guidelines:
- Chicken breasts – 5-7 minutes per side
- Chicken thighs – 6-8 minutes per side
- Pork chops – 4-7 minutes per side
- Steaks – 4-8 minutes per side depending on thickness
- Burgers – 4-7 minutes per side
- Hot dogs – 4-6 minutes, turning frequently
- Vegetables – 3-5 minutes per side
- Fish fillets – 3-5 minutes per side
The exact time will vary based on the thickness and starting temperature of the food. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness when grilling meat.
George Foreman Grill Settings
Many George Foreman grills have adjustable temperature settings that can impact cook times. Higher heat settings will cook food faster while lower settings will require longer cook times. Here are some guidelines for settings:
- Warm – Not typically used for cooking, just for keeping already cooked food warm
- Low – Ideal for delicate foods like fish and some vegetables
- Medium – Suitable for thicker cuts of meat and burgers
- High – Best for quickly searing thinner meats and vegetables
You may need to experiment with your specific grill model to find out which settings work best for different foods. Start on medium or high for faster cooking then lower to warm or low to finish without overcooking.
Size and Quantity
How much food you are cooking at one time matters too. Thicker cuts of meat and larger quantities will naturally take longer to cook through than thin pieces or small servings. For example, a whole chicken breast may need 7-8 minutes per side while a thin chicken cutlet may only need 4-5 minutes.
When in doubt, cook food in smaller batches to ensure even cooking. You can keepcooked food warm on the lower setting as you batch cook.
Flipping Frequency
With George Foreman grills, you don’t need to flip food as often as you would on an outdoor grill. But periodically flipping food can help it cook faster and more evenly. Here are some tips:
- Steaks and chops – Flip every 2-3 minutes
- Chicken and other poultry – Flip halfway through cooking time
- Burgers and vegetables – Flip once after initial sear
- Fish – Flip gently halfway through cooking
Use tongs or a thin spatula to gently flip food, not a fork which can puncture and dry out meat. Let any marinades or sauces set before flipping to avoid dripping.
Preheating
It’s important to properly preheat your George Foreman grill before cooking. This helps ensure the grates get hot enough to sear and brown food properly. Preheating times can vary based on your model but average 5-10 minutes on high heat. Consider these preheating tips:
- Close the lid during preheating
- The indicator light will turn on when preheated
- Don’t walk away, grills heat fast
- Use a timer to avoid overheating
- Test with a drop of water that sizzles on contact
Starting with a hot grill prevents food from sticking and cooks the outside while allowing the inside to come to temperature. Just be sure to lower the heat setting once food is added.
Resting
While your food will finish cooking on a George Foreman grill, it’s important to let it rest off heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute evenly for moister, more tender results. Tent foil loosely over food while resting to keep warm.
The internal temperature of meat and poultry will rise about 5-10°F during resting. Factor this carryover cooking into doneness – a steak removed at 135°F will end up closer to 145°F after resting.
Cleaning Between Cooks
For best results, do a quick wipe down of the grill plates between cooking different foods or batches. Here’s an easy process:
- Turn grill off and remove plug from outlet.
- Once cool enough to handle, remove and dispose of any food debris from the grill plates.
- Wipe plates with a paper towel, warm water, and small amount of mild soap if needed.
- Rinse away any soap with clean towel and water.
- Dry thoroughly with clean towel.
The nonstick surface works best when kept clean between uses. Avoid abrasive scouring pads which can damage the coating.
Conclusion
Cooking on a George Foreman grill is convenient, but achieving the perfect cook requires paying attention to grill time. Factors like food type and thickness, grill settings, preheating, flipping technique, and resting time all affect the results.
With some trial and error, you can learn how long to grill various foods to your liking. Get to know your specific model’s quirks and consult cooking charts to take the guesswork out. Proper cleaning between uses helps the nonstick surface work its best every time.
Mastering your George Foreman grill makes it possible to enjoy deliciously cooked meats, veggies, and more in record time any night of the week.