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What can you cook with Optigrill?

The Optigrill is an indoor electric grill that can cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. It has multiple built-in sensors that automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the thickness and number of items being grilled. The Optigrill is a versatile appliance that can be used to make everything from steaks and burgers to sandwiches, vegetables, seafood and more. Here’s an overview of the many things you can cook with the Optigrill.

Meats

The Optigrill excels at cooking meat, especially thinner cuts like steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts, kabobs, and burgers. The automatic sensors will adjust to whether you are cooking a rare, medium or well-done steak. Burgers come out perfectly as well. Just place the meat on the grilling plate, close the lid, and the Optigrill will cook it precisely to your desired doneness. You can even cook frozen meat patties and steaks directly from the freezer.

For thicker cuts of meat like roasts, you may want to partially cook them first in the oven or on the stovetop to allow the interior to cook through before transferring to the Optigrill for quick searing and char marks. Marinated meats and kabobs also turn out great on the Optigrill.

Tips for Cooking Meat on the Optigrill

  • Pat meat dry before grilling for better browning
  • Brush or rub meats with oil or marinades to boost flavor
  • Trim excess fat from steaks and chops
  • Flip meat halfway through cooking for grill marks on both sides
  • Let meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before cutting to allow juices to redistribute

Vegetables

From asparagus and zucchini to eggplant, peppers, portobello mushrooms and more – vegetables grill up quickly on the Optigrill. The high heat chars and caramelizes veggies, adding lots of flavor. Sturdier vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and carrots can be cut into planks or spears first.

Softer vegetables like tomatoes, thinly sliced onions and chopped veggies for kabobs may need to be grilled in a grilling basket or wrapped in foil with some olive oil and seasoning. Leafy greens like lettuce and other salad greens can also be grilled briefly just until they wilt and get grill marks.

Tips for Grilling Vegetables on the Optigrill

  • Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper and/or other herbs/seasonings
  • Grill over direct high heat for best results
  • Slice vegetables thinly for quicker grilling
  • Use a grill basket or foil for small or delicate vegetable pieces
  • Charred vegetables like onions, peppers and carrots are great for tacos, fajitas or topping burgers

Sandwiches and Paninis

From grilled cheese to paninis to burger buns, the Optigrill can make hot, toasty sandwiches in just minutes. Simply layer your favorite sandwich fillings between two slices of bread or inside a halved roll or baguette. Brush the outsides with oil or melted butter before placing on the preheated grill. Close the lid and the sandwich will become crispy and golden brown.

In addition to traditional deli and cheese sandwiches, you can get creative with sandwiches on the Optigrill. Try grilled pizza sandwiches, buffalo chicken sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, Reubens, and more. The pressured lid makes ultra-crispy paninis and melty grilled cheeses.

Tips for Grilling Sandwiches on the Optigrill

  • Spread a thin layer of oil or melted butter on the outside of sandwiches
  • Use thicker bread slices that won’t fall apart while grilling
  • Layer sandwich fillings evenly for even cooking
  • Use a panini press or another heavy pan on top for extra crispy sandwiches
  • Try grilling sandwiches open-faced for quick mini pizzas or bruschetta

Seafood

The hot grill plate and short cooking time help prevent delicate seafood like fish fillets and shrimp from drying out. Firmer fish like tuna, salmon, halibut and swordfish work best for grilling. Brush fish with oil and seasonings of your choice before placing on the preheated Optigrill.

For best results with shrimp, scallops or other small seafood, use grill baskets or skewers so they don’t fall through the grates. You can also wrap seafood in foil with seasoning and oil for easy grilling. The Optigrill gives just a quick sear to seal in moisture.

Tips for Grilling Seafood on Optigrill

  • Use skinless fish fillets for easier turning
  • Brush fish and seafood with oil to prevent sticking
  • Grill thinner fish fillets (1/2 inch or less) for just 2-4 minutes per side
  • Turn seafood gently with a thin spatula to keep it intact
  • Do not overcook seafood; it will continue cooking after removing from grill

Fruits and Desserts

The Optigrill isn’t just for savory foods – you can also use it to make quick grilled fruit desserts. Sliced pineapple, peaches, nectarines, plums and melons develop nice caramelization when grilled briefly over high heat. Brush cut fruit with a little oil or melted butter and cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until grill marks appear.

Other options like pound cake, angel food cake, brownies or cookies can be placed directly on the grill for a short time to heat through and become crispy on the outside. Top grilled fruit with ice cream, whipped cream or chocolate sauce for amazing desserts.

Tips for Grilling Fruit and Desserts on the Optigrill

  • Fruits like pineapple and peaches may need to be grilled in a perforated grill pan
  • Softer fruits like berries and bananas are best grilled in foil packets
  • Brush or spray oil lightly on fruits to prevent sticking
  • Grill prepared desserts like brownies for just 1-2 minutes per side
  • Let grilled fruit desserts cool slightly before adding ice cream or toppings

Breakfast Foods

Your Optigrill isn’t just for dinnertime – it’s handy for quick breakfasts and brunches too. Cook up bacon and sausage patties for a classic breakfast sandwich. Eggs can be fried right on the grill plate to be served over-easy. For something different, try grilling breakfast burritos or even French toast.

Prepared breakfast items like pre-made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, hot pockets, and pancakes can all be warmed on the grill. Hash browns will become crispy and golden brown after just a few minutes under the pressured grill lid. You can have a hot, hearty breakfast any day of the week with the Optigrill.

Tips for Cooking Breakfast Foods on the Optigrill

  • Butter or oil the grill plate well when cooking items like eggs or French toast
  • Use a grill cover or extra skillet on top when cooking patties, eggs and sandwiches
  • Cook pancakes, waffles or French toast only until warmed through and slightly crispy
  • Grill vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms to make quick breakfast hash
  • Let meats and eggs rest a minute after grilling before eating

Other Creative Uses for the Optigrill

With some creative thinking, you’ll find even more uses for the Optigrill beyond just typical grilling:

  • Make pizza – Grill pita or naan bread into crusts then top with sauce and cheese
  • Reheat leftovers – Bring some life back into leftover meats, sandwiches, vegetables, etc.
  • Make quesadillas or nachos – Grill tortillas crisp and melt cheese for quick Tex-Mex
  • Toast buns and bread – Get burger and sandwich buns crispy in just seconds
  • Cook bacon – Lay strips of bacon directly on the grill for fast, flat and crispy results
  • Char or blister vegetables and greens – Great for tacos, salads, pastas, pizzas and more
  • Make panini press – Use it as a press to make hot sandwiches extra crispy

Guide to Optimal Grilling Times

One benefit of the Optigrill is that it will automatically adjust cooking times and temperature for whatever you are grilling based on the thickness and internal doneness selected. However, the following chart provides some estimated guidelines for approximate grilling times for various foods.

Food Approximate Optigrill Time
Hamburgers 5-8 minutes
Chicken breast (1 inch thick) 8-12 minutes
Pork chops (1 inch thick) 10-14 minutes
Steak (1 inch thick) – Medium 10-14 minutes
Kabobs and cubed meat 8-12 minutes
Sausages and hot dogs 5-10 minutes
Fish fillets (1/2 inch thick) 4-7 minutes
Shrimp 2-5 minutes
Vegetables (zucchini, squash, peppers, onions, etc) 6-10 minutes
Fruit slices 2-5 minutes
Quesadillas or grilled cheese 3-5 minutes
Pizza or sandwiches 3-7 minutes

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Optigrill

To keep your Optigrill working at optimal performance, be sure to clean it regularly after each use:

  • Unplug unit and allow grill plates to cool completely before cleaning
  • Remove and empty drip tray after each use
  • Wipe down grill plates and drip tray with hot soapy water
  • Use non-abrasive scrub pad for stuck-on grease or food residue
  • Rinse all parts and dry thoroughly before reassembling
  • Do not immerse heating element or electrical parts in water
  • For deepest cleaning, use Optigrill cleaning tablets per instructions

It’s also a good idea to periodically scrub the lid and exterior with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Follow all manufacturer cleaning guidelines to keep your Optigrill running efficiently for a long time.

Tips for Cooking on the Optigrill

Follow these tips and tricks for success when cooking on the Optigrill:

  • Preheat grill for 5 minutes before cooking for best results
  • Use cooking spray or oil to grease the plates and prevent sticking
  • Trim excess fat from meats to reduce flare ups
  • Close lid completely to activate automatic cooking sensors
  • Flip foods halfway through cooking for grill marks on both sides
  • Be careful when turning small or delicate foods
  • Don’t overload the grill – leave some space around foods for air flow
  • Use foil or grill baskets when needed for smaller items
  • Allow foods to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking before eating
  • Always unplug unit and allow to fully cool before cleaning

Conclusion

With its intelligent cooking sensors and rapid heating, the Optigrill opens up endless possibilities for quick and easy grilling indoors. The automatic features take the guesswork out of grilling times and temperatures, while still allowing you to customize for different doneness levels. In addition to traditional BBQ staples like meats, seafood and veggies, the Optigrill can also cook sandwiches, fruit, breakfast foods and more.

Keep the grill plates clean, preheat properly and use oils/sprays to prevent sticking for the best results. Allowing foods to rest before serving and using foil or grill baskets when needed will also improve cooking. With some experimentation, you’ll discover even more creative ways to unlock the versatility of the Optigrill for all types of delicious grilled meals any day of the year.