How to BBQ without a BBQ Grill (or even a backyard!)
How to BBQ without a BBQ! Tips for how you can barbecue even if you don’t have a grill…and even still get grill marks! Check out these fun grill alternatives!
Ever have BBQ envy? Ya know, when everyone you know is having all these delicious grilled dinners, and there you are, with no barbecue?
Well you’re in luck, because even if you live in an apartment, can’t get outside, don’t own a grill, or the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still enjoy that tasty grilled flavor.
There are actually 7 ways to BBQ without a grill!
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What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
Maybe you’re wondering ‘how do you grill if I don’t have a grill?’
Perhaps you live in an apartment, condo, or flat with no backyard, and want to throw a cookout-style party.
Or maybe you are stuck inside for whatever reason, or are craving some grilled food in the middle of winter.
Luckily, there are several ways to grill indoors without a grill!
How to grill in the oven
1. In the broiler
You can actually use your oven like a grill by using the broiler function.
It helps if you have a broiler pan (like this one). You can cook everything from burgers, to steak, chicken, bacon, fish, and vegetables, and enjoy that smoky ‘grilled’ flavor.
The broiler works like an upside down grill, with the heat coming from the top of the oven.
It uses high temperatures and direct heat, just like a BBQ would.
Some ovens have a broiler drawer at the bottom. If not, just place your food on the top rack inside your oven.
If you don’t have a broiler pan, an oven safe grill pan works wonders as well.
2. Foil packets
Foil pack dinners, made right in your oven, really impart that campfire, outdoor grilling flavor.
They can be almost any combination of your favorite meats and vegetables.
Foil packets meals are completely versatile, and come in so many different varieties.
They pretty much cook themselves, and there are no pots and pans to clean up afterward.
Here are 25 foil packet dinner ideas to get you started!
Can you grill on a stove?
Yes! You can actually get some grill-like flavor right on your stove top.
Certain pans actually lend themselves better to being a grill substitute.
Let’s check them out!
3. Cast iron skillet
For the absolute best flavor in seared foods, you need a cast iron skillet.
It won’t give you grilled marks like a BBQ grill could, but oh it’s so tasty!
The depth of flavor you get from a cast iron skillet just can’t be duplicated.
They get really hot, just like a grill would, and something about the cast iron just imparts a really special flavor when cooking meat.
A pre-seasoned cast iron skillet is definitely the way to go, since it cuts down on some of the maintenance involved in using cast iron.
4. Grill pan
You can actually get those special grilling lines right on your stove by using a grill pan.
Grill pans come in various shapes and sizes, from round, to square, to long ones that cover 2 burners.
Some even come in cast iron, so you can get the benefits of cast iron without losing that grilled-food look.
5. Indoor grill
One of the easiest ways to have a BBQ without a grill is to use an electric indoor grill.
You don’t even need a stove, oven, or special pan. Just plug in the grill!
There are so many options, no matter what your budget is. Some are smokeless, or have a lid that closes. Others offer that open-concept outdoor grill look.
Some also come with removable plates for easy cleaning.
The other nice thing about indoor grills is that you can easily adjust and monitor the heat and temperature.
6. Use smoky seasonings
Besides your cooking method, you can offer your food that smoky, grilled flavor by using certain seasonings.
You could use a smoky barbecue sauce, or spices like smoked salt, paprika or cumin. Sprinkle the smoked spices right onto your meat, or mix it into your marinade.
This set of 5 smoked spices has everything you need. (It would also make a great gift!)
7. Consider the Crock-Pot
While your slow cooker isn’t going to provide any grill marks, you can actually make some BBQ-style food in it.
BBQ pulled chicken or pork, or a slow cooked brisket are all super delicious in the Crock-Pot.
No need to own a special smoker, just add the meat, some smoky spices or BBQ, and let it cook all day or overnight.
If you want to have a cookout, but don’t have a grill, serve this dish with some buns and tasty side dishes. Trust me, no one is going to miss the grill!
Ready to BBQ without a grill?
Hopefully now you can see how easy it is to BBQ without a grill.
Whether you want to use your oven, a grill pan on your stove, an indoor electric grill, or your slow cooker, you too can enjoy that smoky summer flavor. Any season of the year!
No charcoal or propane is needed to have a good time.
Happy grilling!
Be sure to also check out:
- 13 Cheap BBQ Ideas for Hosting an Awesome Cookout on a Budget
- 10 Easy and Cheap Meal ANYONE Can Make
- 40+ Dirt Cheap Meals to Make When You’re on a Budget
- What to Serve with Brats for Dinner (besides sauerkraut!)
