Summer dinners are the perfect excuse to head outside and fire up the grill. But in the winter, even when you're craving the fresh flavor of a grilled burger or chicken breast, it can be too cold to commit to cooking in the backyard. Introducing these easy indoor grill recipes that bring the amazing taste of grilled meals inside, whether or not you have a grill.
You can grill inside if you invest in a grill pan. There are a few reasons to use one: If you live in a city apartment (read: no backyard), you don’t own a grill, or you live somewhere that’s too cold to grill all year long (ugh, us too).
You can make juicy steaks, fully-loaded burgers, hot dogs, kabobs, tacos, and more, all on a grill pan, for flavor-packed lunches and dinners. But, before you get started, a few reminders: heat up the pan first to ensure minimal stickage (a super hot grill pan means you'll get a killer sear on your food, without risking a serious stick). Don't forget to turn on your vent fan to avoid a smoky apartment or home. Dive into these easy grill pan recipes to bring the char inside!
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1
Chicken Quinoa Bowls
There’s just something about grilled chicken, especially when it’s topping a grain bowl or chopped salad. And, with a grill pan, you can cook some up in your kitchen any time of year — no grill or backyard needed whatsoever.
Get the recipe for Chicken Quinoa Bowls »
RELATED: 60+ Chicken Breast Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
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2
Spiced BBQ Pork Chops
Because of the flavor that grilling (yes, even with a grill pan!) brings, you don’t have to go crazy with marinades and sauces. Here, we seasoned pork chops with a rub of olive oil, paprika, ground ginger, cumin, and coriander, and called it a day.
Get the recipe for Spiced BBQ Pork Chops »
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3
Steak With Kale and White-Bean Mash
While we love searing steak in a cast iron skillet with a good amount of butter, sometimes you just want a lighter way to cook up a steak dinner for two. Enter, your grill pan. (P.S. The healthier mashed “potatoes” made with kale, cannellini beans, and parsnips are optional, but highly recommended).
Get the recipe for Steak with Kale and White-Bean Mash »
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4
Charred Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Tossing shrimp on the barbie brings an element of smokiness, but that doesn’t mean you have to stand outside in sub-zero temps. Use your grill pan to amp up the flavor in the same exact way, all while staying indoors.
Get the recipe for Charred Shrimp and Avocado Salad »
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5
Grilled Asparagus and Shiitake Tacos
For a fun and fresh (vegan!) take on #TacoTuesday, give asparagus spears, scallions, and shiitake mushrooms a nice char before piling them into tortillas.
Get the recipe for Grilled Asparagus and Shiitake Tacos »
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6
Beef and Pineapple Kebabs With Cashew Rice
Get the whole gang to eat their fruits and veggies (i.e. pineapples and bell peppers) by serving ‘em up on a stick.
Get the recipe for Beef and Pineapple Kebabs with Cashew Rice »
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7
Smoky Guacamole
Bring your game day guac to the next level by grilling the avocados first. Use a grill pan, so you won’t have to miss a second of the first quarter (if there’s a TV in your kitchen, that is).
Get the recipe for Smoky Guacamole »
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8
Mediterranean Spiced Burgers
While Memorial Day weekend may kick off the start of BBQ season, you can actually grill up burger patties any day of the year. Groundbreaking, we know.
Get the recipe for Mediterranean Spiced Burgers »
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9
Soba Salad With Grilled Tofu
Tofu doesn’t really scream, “easy to cook,” but this vegetarian protein is a cinch to make on the grill pan. Just press dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and throw it on for 10 to 15 minutes. (Pro Tip: Reach for a metal mixing bowl to flip over and use as a cover for your grill pan, remembering that this will be hot.)
Get the recipe for Soba Salad with Grilled Tofu »
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10
Grilled Sausage and Apple Slaw Subs
15 minutes, eight ingredients, one grill pan: Tonight’s looking good.
Get the recipe for Grilled Sausage and Apple Slaw Subs »
RELATED: 60 Quick Summer Dinner Recipes for Easier Weeknights
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11
Lamb Souvlaki With Cucumber Mint Salad
Take a trip to Greece without leaving your kitchen. Okay, not really — but this take on the specialty sandwich makes the most of those classic Mediterranean flavors.
Get the recipe for Lamb Souvlaki with Cucumber Mint Salad »
