How to Grill in the Oven

Modern ovens are equipped with many useful functions (timer, fan assistance, removable racks, self-cleaning etc.). But neither of them raises as many doubts and questions as the top grill. Today we are going to talk about some of its functions and tell you how to grill in the oven.

Some are sure that the grill element is useless, others believe that you can only cook on the grill (preferably outdoors), and not under it. Owners of old ovens have never even heard of anything like this.

In fact, grill is irreplaceable if you want to beautifully brown meat, fish, chicken and even bread. Also, grill will help out if the planned outdoor trip has to be canceled, and the meat is already in marinade. Appetizing barbeque in the oven will become a tangible reality!

Grill in the Oven

What Is a Top Grill

This is a tubular electric heater located on the top wall of the oven. It can be a gas, electric or an infrared one. Its main task is to achieve high temperature on the surface of the food in a short period of time. The crust appears in a matter of minutes.

Temperature

In various oven models, the temperature ranges from 340 °F (170 °C) to 400 °F (200 °C). Given that the dish at that moment is directly under the heating element, this is enough. Note that grill makes the products browned on the outside, while inside they remain juicy.

Functioning

Usually, the top grill in the oven is regulated by only two modes: on and off. After turning the device on, the tube heats up in about 5 minutes and becomes cool just as quickly.

Tableware

Silicone and glassware (even heat-resistant) are not suitable for cooking under the grill. It is most reasonable to use cast-iron frying pans and iron racks covered with foil to protect them from grease.

Preparation

The top grill is rarely used as the main mode for cooking. Usually it’s turned on either before (to seal juices in meat, for example) or after (to get a delicious crust) baking.

But the grill is also suitable as the main processing mode. Chicken legs, wings, beef steaks, fish, vegetables turn out super juicy! Place not too thick pieces of food on the middle level of the oven and flip it over every 5 minutes.

Care Instructions

Many don’t use the top grill in the oven because of the smell of burning. This can happen if fat has settled on the heater after previous cooking. Moreover, detergents do not always solve the problem: the grill continues to smoke.

In this case, turn on the grill at full capacity without placing the dish into the oven. After a few minutes, the fat will burn, the smell will no longer be. Wait for cooling, then wipe the oven with a sponge. Note that such manipulation can only be carried out with a good exhaust hood and preferably with the windows open.

What to Cook in the Oven With Grill

To evaluate the effect of the top grill, we suggest trying out the recipe for delicious thighs, rosy on the outside and juicy inside.

Oven-Grilled Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp barbecue ketchup
• 1 tbsp wine vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp curry
• salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Rinse chicken thighs, dry with paper towels. Add curry, salt, paprika, ginger and garlic powder. Rub the thighs with the mixture, leave for an hour.
2. In a separate bowl, mix ketchup with olive oil, thickly grease the chicken with the sauce. Put the thighs on a rack.
3. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C). On the lower level place a sheet with foil, on the middle place a rack with thighs. Turn on the top grill and turn off the heating. Cook the dish for about 40–45 minutes, flip over the thighs with tongs every 5–7 minutes.

Do you use the top grill in the oven? Perhaps you know some new interesting recipes? Feel free to share in the comments!

Lisa

Like many people nowadays, I love to explore new places. My favorite type is slow travelling, when you can really blend in with locals and learn about new cultures and languages. But I think there are also perfect times for enjoying freshly baked pastry, a cup of fragrant coffee, and a good movie in the comfort of your own home. I guess I'm kind of a cultural omnivore, and I watch different types of movies, but the ones about art and food inspire me the most!