If you don't have a grill or it's too cold/rainy out, these tips are perfect for converting recipes like cooking kabobs in the oven & more!
Key Takeaways
- You can convert virtually any recipe from the grill to indoor cooking with good results.
- Make sure to add plenty of seasoning, as you won't have that signature smoky flavor from the grill. Smoked paprika is an excellent choice!
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness to avoid overcooking.
When crafting our Prep Dish meal plans, one thing that's important to me is that the plans don't require specialized cooking equipment. I want our meal plans to be accessible to everyone – regardless of how well their kitchens are equipped or how much cooking experience they have.
That said, I sure do love the grill. It just imparts so much flavor! But I know some of you don't have a grill or want to make burgers when it's too cold or rainy out to grill. This post is for you. I'm sharing techniques for cooking kabobs in the oven, how to make burgers without a grill, and many more tips on how convert recipes meant for the grill to indoor cooking.
Pro Tip: I love adding smoked paprika when I'm converting a recipe from the grill to indoor cooking. This is a great way to get some of that smokey flavor!
Should I get an indoor grill?
Before we get into the details of how to convert specific recipes to cooking without a grill, you may be wondering if you should get an indoor grill.
While it's not essential cookware, I do think an indoor grill is an excellent options for things like burgers and kabobs when you don't want to actually grill outside.
So what is an indoor grill? It's basically a standalone electric appliance, allowing you to grill items indoors. Indoor grills will give you that signature char and grill lines you're used to from grilling.
While indoor grills are quite useful, they're also a bit pricey. The below techniques are also an excellent way to cook “grilling” recipes without a grill. These are perfect if you're using our Prep Dish meal plans, or if you simply have a favorite grilling recipe you'd like to make on a rainy day.
Cooking Kabobs in the Oven
If you'd like to make kabobs without a grill, cooking kabobs in the oven is an excellent choice.
Simply preheat your oven to 450F. If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, just as you would for outdoor grilling. Then skewer your meat and veggies.
For steak kabobs, cook for 8-10 minutes (for medium rare) and check for desired doneness. Chicken kabobs will take closer to 20-30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, so please check with a meat thermometer to ensure the inside has reached 165F.
Test out oven kabobs with my Curry Chicken Skewers w/ Yogurt Mint Sauce or Lemon Pepper Steak Kabobs.
How to Cook Burgers without a Grill
It's hard to beat a grilled burger but sometimes the grill just isn't an option.
You can cook burgers without a grill, either in the oven or on the stovetop. One of my favorite cooking resources, The Kitchn, recommends cooking in the oven at 400F for about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, cook in a cast iron pan on the stovetop at a high temperature until the burgers are done to your liking.
Make sure to add plenty of seasoning as you won't have that signature smoky flavor from the grill!
Want a great burger recipe to test out these methods? Checkout my roundup of the Best Homemade Burger Recipes.
How to Convert Grilled Chicken Recipes to Indoor Cooking
While I do love grilled chicken, converting grilled chicken recipes to indoor cooking is quite easy. You can simply bake the chicken in the oven.
For either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook in a preheated 400F oven for about 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
Try it out with my Grilled Chicken w/ Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce.
How to Make “Grilled Veggies” without a Grill
Apart from the grill, my favorite way to cook veggies with tons of flavor and great texture is roasting. I actually have a whole post devoted to how to roast a variety of veggies for maximum deliciousness.
In general, you'll simply toss your veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper (or whatever seasoning you prefer) and roast in the oven until done. For zucchini spears, roast at 450F for 10-15 minutes. For green beans, roast at 400F for 20-25 minutes. Check out the post for more roasted veggie options!
Converting Grilled Pork Chops Recipes if You Don't Have a Grill
Whether cooking them on the grill or in the oven, the key to delicious pork chops is not overcooking. I definitely recommend breaking out the meat thermometer and cooking to an internal temp of 145F to avoid dry, tough pork chops.
If you want to convert a grilled pork chops recipe to indoor cooking, simply roast in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F and bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chops. Make sure to check the internal temp at around 15 minutes for doneness.
You can also simply cook pork chops on the stovetop. For thin cut pork chops, sear in a hot saute pan with oil for 3-4 minutes per side before checking for doneness.
The Kitchn also has a method for brining, searing and baking bone-in pork chops if you're feeling a little more adventurous.
Try out these methods with my Grilled Rosemary Pork Chops.
Cooking Excellent Steak Without a Grill
The key to good steak cooked off the grill is searing. This adds a ton of flavor and helps to seal in the juices so you don't wind up with dry steak.
Preheat your oven to 425F and season your steaks with salt and pepper, or whatever seasoning your recipe calls for. Heat a large, oven-proof saute pan over medium-high heat. Add steak and sear for about 4 minutes per side, until it reaches a deep brown color. Transfer the steak to the oven and cook for another 4-8 minutes, until desired doneness. Remove the steak and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
That's all there is to it!
Grilled Shrimp Recipes without a Grill
If you have a grilled shrimp recipe you want to convert to cooking indoors, you're in luck. Cooking shrimp off the grill is quite easy. You can do it either on the stovetop or in the oven, both with excellent results.
To cook shrimp on the stovetop, simply heat 1 tbsp of olive oil to a saute pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, or whatever seasoning you like (Cajun spice is great on shrimp!) Cook shrimp until pink, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Alternatively, you can take a totally hands-off approach with sheet pan shrimp. Preheat the oven to 400F and bake for about 20 minutes.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know about Cooking Kabobs in the Oven and Cooking without a Grill
How long does it take to cook kabobs in the oven?
Cook time will vary for kabobs depending on the type of meat you're using. Steak kabobs take about 8-10 minutes in a 400F oven while chicken kabobs take closer to 20-30 minutes. Always check the internal temp for doneness.
Can I put wooden skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can use wooden skewers in the oven. Just as you would for the grill, make sure to soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before using.
How long to cook a burger in the oven?
Burgers will take about 15 minutes ini a 400F oven, depending on the thickness of your burgers.
What is the best way to cook steak inside?
Sear your steak in a hot ovenproof skillet for about 4 minutes per side before transferring to a 425F oven. Bake for 4-8 minutes until done.
0 Comments