The popularity of pellet grills has increased tremendously over the years. Pellet grills are now considered the most efficient cooking devices. These grills are designed to give you the ability to cook food faster and healthier without using as much fuel. They also provide better control over temperature and smoke.
Pellet grills are very versatile because you can use them to grill or smoke various meats, vegetables, fruits, and even desserts. So what are the best things to barbecue on a pellet grill?
Beef
Cheeseburgers – A pellet grill will make your burgers juicy by allowing for proper heat penetration. This is especially important when it comes to cheeseburgers. You don’t want to overcook the cheese, but you do not want to undercook it either. If you put too little heat into the meat, the burger will be dry. But if you put too much heat, the cheese will melt out of the patty. Pellets allow you to control the heat to achieve just the right amount of moisture in each bite.
Sausages – Pellet grills are great at making sausages moist and flavorful. When grilling sausages, you need to watch the internal temperature. You want to ensure that they reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) before removing them from the grill. This ensures that the sausage stays juicy inside.
Chicken
Boneless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are one of the easiest cuts of meat to grill on a pellet grill. Season the breasts with salt and pepper, then rub them with olive oil. Grill the breasts until done, about 10 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Bone-in chicken thighs – Bone-in chicken thighs are another easy cut of meat to grill on the pellet grill. Just season the thighs with salt and pepper, and grill them until cooked through, about 20 minutes per side.
Turkey Breast
Turkey breast is a popular choice for holiday dinners. It cooks quickly on a pellet grill, and it’s delicious. To roast a whole turkey breast:
- Start by seasoning the skin with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.
- Wrap the entire breast in aluminum foil and bake it on the grill for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, brush the skin with butter, and return the bird to the grill.
- Cook for another hour or two until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
Fish
Salmon steaks – Salmon comes out perfectly grilled on a pellet grill because they cook fast and retain their shape well. Season salmon steaks with salt and pepper, cover with plastic wrap and sit for 15 minutes. Grill the fish for 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is a quick way to prepare this popular seafood. First, peel and devein the shrimp, then marinate them in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Then grill the shrimp for 2 to 4 minutes per side.
Vegetables
Peppers
Grilled peppers come in many shapes and sizes, but all of them taste good when grilled on a pellet grill. Start by cutting off the stems and seeds, then slice the peppers lengthwise. Place the slices on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side.
Onions
Grilled onions – Onions are a classic accompaniment to any meal. They also work well as stand-alone vegetables. Cut the onions into wedges, place them on the grill, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
Potatoes
Baked potatoes – Baking potatoes on the grill adds flavor and texture to your meals. First, peel the potatoes, then split them down the middle. Brush each half with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, stuff them with cheese, and put them back together. Wrap the potato halves in aluminum foil, and place them on the grill. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Corn
Grilled corn – Corn is one of the most versatile vegetables around. It can be used in salads, soups, stews, and casseroles. First, remove the husks and silks from the ears to grill corn on the pellet grill.
Next, soak the corn in water for at least an hour so that it will steam instead of burn during grilling. After soaking, pat the corn dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the kernels with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and grill for 12 to 15 minutes per side.
Asparagus
Grilled asparagus – Asparagus has a delicate flavor that works well with sweet sauces, such as béarnaise sauce. Trim the ends of the spears, coat them with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. Grill the asparagus for 10 to 12 minutes per side.
Fruits
Apples
Grilled apples – Apples are a favorite fruit for barbecuing. If you want to make apple pie, try grilling several varieties of apples and mixing them up. Then, try baking cinnamon-sugar or caramelized sugar toppings on top of the cooked apples.
Pears
Grilled pears – Pears have a firm texture that makes them ideal for cooking on a pellet grill; however, choose peaches, plums, nectarines, or apricots if you prefer softer fruits. Remove the stems, cut the fruit into quarters, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the pears for 10 to 15 minutes per side until tender.
Berries
Grilled berries are easy to grill on a pellet grill, especially strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and huckleberries. First, wash the berries, drain them, and toss them with honey, lemon juice, or other flavoring agents. Next, grill the berries over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Desserts
Cakes
Chocolate cake – Chocolate cakes are easy to make using a pellet grill. The heat helps melt away some of the fat in the batter, which makes the cake lighter and moister. First, prepare the cake according to the package directions, then turn it out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the cake on the grill, close the lid, and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Pies
Apple pie – Apple pies are a favorite dessert for the fall and winter holidays. Make apple pie on a pellet grill by preparing the crust according to package directions, adding apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins to the filling, and topping the pie with whipped cream or ice cream.
