Absolutely, yes, you can put a cast iron pan on the grill. In fact, as stated in the reference, it's easy to use your cast-iron skillet on the grill, and doing so expands the types of dishes you can cook outdoors.
Why Use Cast Iron on the Grill?
Cast iron is a fantastic material for grilling because of its excellent heat retention and distribution properties. It gets hot and stays hot, creating a consistent cooking surface that is ideal for searing, frying, or even baking on the grill. The high heat tolerance of cast iron makes it perfectly suited for the intense temperatures often reached on a grill.
Benefits of Grilling with Cast Iron
- Even Heating: Cast iron distributes heat uniformly, preventing hot spots and ensuring food cooks evenly.
- Superior Searing: The ability to get and stay extremely hot allows for perfect searing on steaks, chops, or fish, creating a desirable crust.
- Versatility: Cook things you couldn't cook directly on grates, like sauces, frittatas, stir-fries, or even desserts.
- Durability: Cast iron is built to withstand high temperatures and frequent use.
Getting Started: Tips for Grilling with Cast Iron
Using your cast iron skillet on the grill is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure the best results:
- Preheat Properly: Just like using it on a stovetop or in an oven, allow your cast iron pan to preheat on the grill to your desired temperature.
- Watch the Heat: Grills can have fluctuating temperatures. Be vigilant about checking the thermometer to see if the temperature fluctuates and adjust the heat as needed, as mentioned in the reference. You can do this by adjusting burners (gas) or vents (charcoal).
- Use High-Heat Oils: When cooking, use oils with a high smoke point like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil, especially for searing at high temperatures.
- Handle with Care: Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling a hot cast iron pan on or off the grill.
- Placement Matters: For indirect cooking or lower heat, place the pan away from direct flames or coals. For high-heat searing, place it directly over the heat source.
Practical Uses on the Grill
A cast iron skillet opens up a world of possibilities:
- Searing Steaks or Burgers: Achieve a restaurant-quality crust.
- Frying Bacon or Eggs: Yes, you can make breakfast on the grill!
- Cooking Sides: Sauté vegetables, grill potatoes, or make corn succotash.
- Making Desserts: Cobblers, crisps, or even giant cookies can be baked.
- Creating Sauces or Chili: Simmer directly on the grill.
Cleaning After Grill Use
Cleaning cast iron used on the grill is the same as cleaning cast iron used indoors. Allow it to cool down significantly (but while still warm), scrape out food bits, wash with hot water (and maybe a little soap), dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to maintain the seasoning.
Using cast iron on your grill is an effective way to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire, allowing you to cook a wider variety of dishes with excellent results.
