Tips For Grilling Breakfast Like a Pro with Meiko Temple

Meiko Temple is a Dallas-based writer, chef, photographer, and recipe developer behind the blog “Meiko and the Dish.” She also is a founder “Eat the Culture,” an organization that supports Black culinary creators and entrepreneurs in elevating their craft and uplifting and amplifying their culinary heritage. In this essay, Meiko shares why grilling breakfast is easy, and the tools and can take to cook up the most important meal of the day.

 Sure, grilling is typically associated with cuts of meat, burgers, and hot dogs. But who says grilling is just for dinner? Breakfast can be just as delicious when cooked on the grill!

Benefits of Grilling Breakfast

1. Flavor – When you grill breakfast foods, they take on a smoky flavor that can’t be replicated any other way.
2. Healthy – Grilling is a healthier way to cook because it doesn’t require using as much oil or butter. The food is also less likely to stick to the grates, making it less likely to get overcooked.
3. Texture – Grilling gives food a unique texture you can’t get from other cooking methods.
4. Fun – Grilling breakfast is a great way to start the day and a fun activity to do with family and friends. So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast option, remember that grilling is a great way to go!
5. Easy Clean Up – Grilling breakfast is also a great option with very low maintenance when it comes to clean-up. Since grilling doesn’t require multiple pots and pans, clean-up is much easier.

Tips For Grilling Breakfast

Play Close Attention To Temperature

One of the most important things to remember when grilling breakfast is to pay attention to temperature. Breakfast foods can be delicate, so it’s important to make sure the grill is not too hot or too cold.

• Eggs – For perfectly cooked eggs on the grill, use a low temperature, over indirect heat, and cook them slowly.
• Bacon – Bacon can be tricky to grill because it shrinks and can cause flare-ups. You can use a skewer and cook bacon over indirect heat to prevent this. The key is to cook it slowly over low heat so that it doesn’t stick and has time to render out some of the fat.
• Pancakes & Waffles – Pancakes and waffles can be a bit tricky to grill, but it’s definitely possible. For best results, use a low temperature and cook them slowly.

Fruits Love The Grill Too

Including fresh fruit for breakfast is pretty traditional, but adding sturdy fruits like peaches, nectarines, and bananas are all great options for the grill. Simply slice them in half, brush with a little bit of butter or neutral oil, and place them on the grates over moderate heat until they are soft and slightly charred. The natural sugars in the fruit will caramelize on the grill, giving them a delicious flavor.

Great For Reviving Leftovers

Grilling is also a great way to reheat leftovers from the night before. Just about anything can be grilled for breakfast, including chicken, steak, potatoes, and vegetables. So, if you’re looking for a creative way to give leftovers a new life, try grilling them for breakfast!

Enlist Some Tools For Convenience

Some breakfast foods can be a bit tricky to grill, so it’s always helpful to have the right tools on hand. With these tools in your arsenal, grilling breakfast will be a breeze:

• Cast Iron Skillet – A cast iron skillet is an excellent option for cooking delicate or less sturdy foods like eggs, pancakes, and waffles. It’s also helpful for cooking smaller items that might fall through the grates and liquid items like sauces and oils.
• Skewers – Skewers help grill smaller items directly over the grill grates to get the benefit of charring without losing them through the cracks.
• Grill Basket – A grill basket is a great option for cooking small and large items and allows for more control of items that would typically fall through the grates.
• Grill Mat – A grill mat is a thin, heat-resistant mat you place over the grates. This is a great option for cooking delicate items or protecting food from sticking to the grates.
• Aluminum Foil or Aluminum Pan – This pantry staple can come in handy when grilling breakfast. You can use it to line the grill grates so that food doesn’t stick, or you can place food directly on top to cook.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be grilling breakfast like a pro in no time! So, fire up the grill and enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast that’s sure to start your day off right.