Indoor grills provide a quick and easy way to cook meat in your own home. With so many options for indoor grilling, how do you know which meat will turn out the best? The optimal meat for indoor grilling should be flavorful, tender, and easy to manipulate on the grill. Taking into account factors like fat content, thickness, and cooking times, certain meats stand out above the rest for indoor grilling success.
What to Look for in Meat for Indoor Grilling
When choosing meat to cook on your indoor grill, here are some of the top qualities to look for:
- Tender – More tender cuts of meat will grill up quicker and more evenly.
- Marbling – Some fat content will keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
- Uniform thickness – Even thickness allows for consistent grilling.
- Flavor – Cuts with more robust flavor work well with quick grilling.
- Boneless – Boneless cuts are easier to cook through on an indoor grill.
- Portioned – Individual steaks, chops, etc. are ideal for indoor grilling.
Tender, fast-cooking cuts that are portioned into servings work best. Marbling provides moisture and flavor while uniform thickness prevents uneven cooking. Bones can block heat distribution on an indoor grill. Keep these factors in mind when selecting meat.
Best Cuts of Meat for Indoor Grills
Taking into account all of these desired qualities, here are some of the top meats to choose for indoor grilling success:
Steak
Steak is a top choice for indoor grilling. Quick-cooking cuts like skirt, flank, or hanger steak have excellent flavor and tenderness. Ribeye, strip steak, and tenderloin also cook up well. Choose individual 6-12 oz steaks for even grilling. Marbled cuts like ribeye will be juicy while lean tenderloin remains tender. Grill steaks 3-6 minutes per side over high heat.
Pork Chops
Boneless pork chops are ideal for indoor grilling. Opt for thinner chops around 1/2 inch thick for quick cooking. Center cut and loin chops are tender options. The mild flavor pairs well with a variety of seasonings and marinades. Grill for 4-8 minutes on each side depending on thickness.
Chicken Breasts
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are primed for indoor grilling. They are uniform in thickness and cook quickly, making them foolproof. Their mild flavor takes on any marinades or rubs nicely. Grill for 6-10 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Pork Tenderloin
The tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of pork, making it perfect for a fast indoor grill. It has very little fat but still remains juicy. Whole tenderloins can be grilled in about 15 minutes. Slice into individual portions before grilling for quicker cooking. The flavorful meat takes well to spicy rubs or tangy glazes.
Lamb Chops
Lamb loin or rib chops cook beautifully on an indoor grill. Look for chops at least 1 inch thick for best results. Trim off any excess fat to prevent flare ups. Season the lamb boldly to stand up to the strong flavor. Grill chops for about 3-5 minutes on each side until browned and medium rare in the center.
Burgers
Burgers are a grilling staple, well-suited to indoor grills. Opt for 6-8 oz patties for quick cooking and easier handling. Sirloin and chuck create juicy, robustly flavored burgers. Bison or lamb patties bring even more flavor. Add whatever toppings you like after grilling 3-5 minutes per side. Brush buns with oil or butter and lightly toast on grill.
Kabobs
Meat and vegetable kabobs offer endless variety for indoor grilling. Choose tender beef, pork, lamb or chicken and cut into 1-2 inch chunks. Thread onto skewers with your favorite veggies. Grill kabobs under medium heat for 8-12 minutes, turning to cook all sides. Marinate meat for extra flavor.
Sausages
Sausages make an easy meal off the indoor grill. Look for precooked varieties like kielbasa and bratwurst that just need reheating. Raw sausages like Italian or chorizo will need thorough cooking. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Slice larger sausages in half before grilling. Add sauerkraut, peppers, and onions for quick sides.
Shrimp
For delicious seafood, shrimp excels on the indoor grill. The quick cooking prevents overdrying. Peel, devein, and thread onto skewers to keep the shrimp flat. Brush with oil or marinade. Grill shrimp just 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Squeeze fresh lemon over grilled shrimp for a bright flavor.
Tips for Indoor Grilling Success
Follow these tips to get the most out of grilling meat indoors:
- Pat meat dry and allow to come to room temperature before grilling for better browning.
- Brush grill lightly with oil before cooking for food to release easily.
- Preheat grill for 5-10 minutes to reach desired cooking temperature.
- Trim excess fat from meats to prevent flare ups and smoke.
- Flip meat just once during cooking for better sear.
- Let meat rest 3-5 minutes after cooking – this allows juices to redistribute.
- Clean grill thoroughly after each use once cool.
Marinades and Rubs for Grilled Meat
A good marinade or spice rub can really bring grilled meat to the next level. Here are some tasty options:
Marinades
- Greek: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano
- Asian: Soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger
- Jamaican Jerk: Brown sugar, allspice, thyme, chili peppers
- Fajita: Lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, cumin
- Rosemary Balsamic: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary, garlic
Spice Rubs
- Cajun: Paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne
- BBQ: Brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin
- Montreal Steak: Black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne
- Jamaican Jerk: Allspice, thyme, brown sugar, cayenne
- Moroccan: Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne
Combine desired herbs, spices, oil, and acid in a sealable bag or baking dish. Add meat and marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight. Pat dry meat and discard excess marinade before grilling. For rubs, coat meat evenly before grilling.
Pairing Sides with Grilled Meats
The right sides complete a delicious grilled meat meal. Here are some excellent pairings:
| Grilled Meat | Recommended Sides |
|---|---|
| Steak | Roasted or mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, green beans |
| Pork chops | Rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, salad |
| Chicken breasts | Roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, pasta salad |
| Lamb chops | Couscous, grilled asparagus, feta salad |
| Burgers | French fries, pasta salad, coleslaw |
| Kabobs | Rice, grilled flatbread, tzatziki sauce |
| Sausages | Sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, beer |
| Shrimp | Rice, grilled corn, coleslaw |
Choose sides that complement the flavors of the meat or offer contrasting flavors and textures. Starches, vegetables, and salads all make excellent pairings.
Safety Tips for Indoor Grilling
While convenient, indoor grilling does require some safety precautions. Follow these tips:
- Grill in well-ventilated area and away from curtains or cabinets.
- Place grill on a heat-safe surface and don’t leave unattended.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of flare ups.
- Use metal tongs and spatulas to avoid burns.
- Don’t grill meats for longer than recommended times.
- Clean grill well after each use to avoid germ buildup.
- Unplug grill when finished and allow to fully cool before storing.
As long as you take some basic precautions, indoor grilling can be a safe and convenient way to cook delicious meat. Just be sure to prep meats properly and grill using the correct times for each cut.
Conclusion
Indoor grills offer a quick and easy grilling solution all year round. The key to success is choosing the right cuts of meat. Tender, boneless steaks, chops, and chicken excell when cooked over the high heat of an indoor grill. Marinating adds big flavor. Cook meat in individual portions for uniform grilling. Add some delicious sides and you have an amazing indoor grilled meal in minutes. With a little practice, you can enjoy your favorite grilled meats without ever going outdoors.