How to Use parchment Paper for Grilling (Indirect Heat)
Created on 09.01
Here is a detailed, safe guide on how to use parchment paper for indirect heat grilling.
First, A Crucial Warning: Fire Safety
- Parchment paper is paper. Even with silicone coating, it is combustible and can catch fire if misused.
- The Golden Rule: NEVER place parchment paper over direct flames or direct heat source. It must only be used in the indirect heat zone of your grill.
- Temperature Limit: Most parchment paper is rated for oven use up to 420-450°F (215-230°C). The ambient air temperature in your grill's indirect zone must stay within this limit.
Why Use Parchment Paper for Indirect Grilling?
1. Non-Stick Surface: Perfect for fish, sticky vegetables, or marinated foods that would otherwise weld themselves to the grates.
2. Prevents Fall-Through: Ideal for smaller vegetables (asparagus, green beans), shrimp, or sliced foods that could fall through the cracks.
3. Easy Cleanup: Simply throw the paper away after use. Your grill grates stay clean.
4. Moisture Retention: The paper can create a slight steaming effect, helping to keep foods like fish and chicken moist.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Grilling with Parchment Paper
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill for Indirect Heat
This is the most critical step for safety.
1. For a Gas Grill: Light only one side of the burners. You will place the food on the unlit side.
2. For a Charcoal Grill: Push all hot coals to one side of the grill. You will cook on the side with no coals directly below.
3. Preheat the Grill: Close the lid and preheat your grill. Aim for a temperature of around 400°F (200°C) in the indirect zone. Use a grill thermometer to monitor this.
Step 2: Prepare the Parchment Paper and Food
1. Cut a Piece of Parchment: Cut a piece large enough to hold your food with a little border.
2. Optional: Create a "Parchment Packet" (En Papillote): This is a very safe and effective method.
- Place food in the center of the parchment paper.
- Bring the long sides together and fold them down repeatedly, then fold and crimp the ends to create a sealed packet. This steams the food inside its own juices.
3. For a Flat Sheet: You can simply place food on a flat sheet of parchment. Do not let the paper's edges curl up towards the heat source.
4. Lightly Oil the Food, Not the Paper: Lightly coating your food in oil will help it brown and prevent sticking. Avoid pouring excess oil onto the paper itself.
Step 3: Place the Parchment on the Grill Safely
1. Place Food on the Grill Grates First: The safest method is to place the parchment paper directly onto the cool, indirect heat zone grates after the grill is preheated. Do not place it on a baking sheet first.
2. Why? If you place a baking sheet on the grill grates, it creates an air gap that traps heat. The bottom of the parchment can quickly exceed its heat rating and burn. Placing it directly on the grates allows heat to circulate evenly.
3. Secure the Edges: Ensure the parchment is lying flat. If needed, you can place a few small, heat-proof items (like onion slices or potatoes) on the corners to prevent them from curling. Never use metal to weigh it down.
Step 4: Grill with the Lid Closed
1. Cook Like an Oven: Always keep the grill lid closed. This circulates the heat and cooks the food evenly. Opening the lid frequently causes temperature swings and can increase the risk of flare-ups.
2. Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on the grill temperature and check for doneness through the lid window if you have one. Cooking times will be similar to oven roasting.
Step 5: Removal and disposal
1. Remove Carefully: Use long-handled tongs or a spatula to carefully slide the entire parchment sheet (with food on it) onto a baking tray or platter.
2. Dispose: Once cooled, simply crumple up the parchment paper and throw it away. Enjoy your easily cleaned grill grates!
Parchment Paper vs. Silicone Mat for Grilling
Feature | Parchment Paper | Silicone Baking Mat (e.g., Silpat) |
Heat Resistance | Good (up to ~450°F / 230°C) | Excellent (up to ~480°F / 250°C) |
Reusability | Single-use | Reusable (100s of times) |
Fire Risk | Moderate (can burn if misused) | Very Low (will smolder, not flame) |
Best For | Single meals, creating sealed packets | Frequent use, more delicate tasks |
Excellent Foods to Cook on Parchment Paper on the Grill:
- Fish Fillets: Salmon, cod, or trout won't stick or break apart.
- Delicate Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini.
- Seafood: Shrimp, scallops.
- Other: Sliced tofu, baked potatoes, grilled fruits (peaches, pineapple).
By following these safety-focused steps, you can successfully use parchment paper to expand your grilling repertoire and make cleanup a breeze. When in doubt, keep it on the cool side and keep the lid closed!
Ray
Ferrill
Evelyn