Mastering Barbecue Potatoes In A Pan: Quick Tips

how to barbecue potatoes in a pan

Grilled potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be made in a variety of ways. They are a great option for summer cookouts or camping trips when you want to cook outdoors. The key to achieving the perfect grilled potatoes is to use the right type of potatoes and to cook them using either direct or indirect heat. Small red or yellow potatoes with thin skins and waxy flesh, such as Yukon Gold, are ideal for grilling as they hold up well and cook quickly. To enhance the flavour, you can use seasonings such as garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and barbecue seasoning. Grilled potatoes can be cooked directly on the grill grates or in foil packets, resulting in a crispier or smokier flavour, respectively.

Characteristics Values
Potato types Yukon Gold, Russet, Sweet, Red, Yellow, Baby
Potato preparation Cut into 1/4-inch slices, boil or parboil before grilling
Potato seasoning Olive oil, vegetable oil, garlic, granulated garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary
Potato grilling Grill over medium-high heat, grill marks, caramelized, flip, rearrange, grill until tender, rotate
Potato serving Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, grated parmesan cheese, chives, herbed aioli, creamy sriracha mayo

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Choosing the right potato

Yukon Golds

Yukon Golds are a popular choice for barbecue potatoes due to their buttery texture and flavour. They are also relatively small, making them easier to cook evenly and flip on the grill. They have a denser texture compared to other varieties, resulting in a crisp exterior and creamy interior.

Red Potatoes

Small red potatoes are another excellent option for grilling. Their waxy nature helps them hold their shape on the grill, and their small size ensures even cooking. Red potatoes are versatile and can be grilled whole, sliced, or quartered, depending on your preference.

New Potatoes

New potatoes, similar to red potatoes, have thin, waxy skins that make them ideal for grilling. They are also typically smaller in size, which is advantageous for even cooking and achieving a crispy exterior.

Russet Potatoes

While russet potatoes are larger and less waxy than the previously mentioned varieties, they are still a good choice for barbecue potatoes due to their sturdy nature. They tend to have a fluffier texture, making them a good option if you prefer a softer, more tender potato.

Sweet Potatoes

If you're looking for a slightly sweeter option, sweet potatoes can also be used for barbecue potatoes. They have a unique flavour and texture that pairs well with various seasonings and cooking methods.

When selecting potatoes for barbecuing, it is generally advisable to opt for smaller, waxy varieties with thin skins. These characteristics ensure that the potatoes hold their shape during grilling, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, flavourful interior.

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Preparing the potatoes

Once you have your potatoes, give them a good wash and dry. Then, cut them into slices or halves/quarters, depending on their size. If you're using larger potatoes, you might want to cut them into slices about 1/4 inch thick, as this will help them get crispier on the grill.

Next, it's time to season the potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add some granulated garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. If you're using fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives, you can chop them up and add them now, or you can sprinkle them on top of the potatoes after they're done cooking.

Now it's time to cook the potatoes. There are a few different methods you can use. One popular method is to grill the potatoes in a foil packet. Place the potatoes on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil, bring up the sides, and double fold the top and ends to tightly seal the packet. You can also add onions, corn, carrots, or peppers to the packet for extra flavor. Grill the packet over medium-high heat for 30-35 minutes, turning it over halfway through, until the potatoes are tender.

Another method is to grill the potatoes directly on the grill grates. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat and brush the grates with oil. Place the potatoes on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until char marks form. Flip the potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they are tender and well-charred.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of potatoes you're using, so be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

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Seasoning and flavouring

When it comes to seasoning and flavouring your barbecue potatoes, there are a variety of options to choose from. A simple option is to toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. You can also add granulated garlic, or garlic powder, to the mix for a more complex flavour—just be aware that fresh garlic may burn on the grill. If you're looking for a savoury flavour, onion powder is a great addition. Smoked paprika is also an option, enhancing the smoky flavour of the grilled potatoes.

For an extra crispy exterior, use small red or yellow potatoes, which are fairly waxy and help the potatoes hold their shape on the grill. If you want to add some freshness to your dish, garnish with herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives. For an extra indulgent touch, finish your grilled potatoes with grated parmesan cheese and fresh chives. If you're serving the potatoes as a side dish, consider topping them with sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits.

If you're looking for a more straightforward option, try grilling your potatoes in a foil packet. This method creates a pocket of heat that results in crispy yet tender potatoes with a smoky flavour. You can also add onions to the foil packet for extra flavour. For an even easier option, use a barbecue seasoning blend to add a burst of sweet and smoky flavour to your potatoes.

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Grill setup

When grilling potatoes, you can use a variety of methods, including grilling them in a pan, directly on the grill grates, in foil packets, or in a BBQ basket.

If you want to grill potatoes in a pan, you can follow these steps:

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
  • Prepare the potatoes by washing, drying, and poking them with a fork.
  • Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
  • Place the potatoes in a single layer on the grill pan.
  • Grill the potatoes until they develop grill marks and are caramelized, then flip them over and continue cooking until they are tender and charred to your liking.
  • Season the grilled potatoes with additional salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if desired.

For grilling potatoes directly on the grill grates, you can follow a similar process:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Wash, dry, and poke the potatoes with a fork.
  • Cut the potatoes into slices or halves/quarters, depending on their size.
  • Toss the potatoes with olive oil, granulated garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper.
  • Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates in a single layer.
  • Grill until grill marks appear and the potatoes are caramelized on the bottom.
  • Flip the potatoes and rearrange them on the grill for even cooking.
  • Continue grilling until the potatoes are tender and charred to your desired level.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Using a BBQ basket or pan can also help contain the potatoes and make it easier to flip them on the grill.

If you prefer to cook your potatoes in foil packets, you can follow these general steps:

  • Cut the potatoes into slices or halves/quarters.
  • Toss the potatoes with olive oil, seasonings, and spices of your choice.
  • Place the potatoes on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil and seal the packet tightly.
  • Grill over medium-high heat for 30-35 minutes, turning the packet over halfway through the cooking time.
  • Open the foil packet and serve the grilled potatoes with your favourite toppings or sides.

Remember to choose suitable potato varieties for grilling, such as small red, yellow, Yukon Gold, or russet potatoes, as they tend to hold up better on the grill and have desirable textures.

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Cooking techniques

There are several techniques you can use to barbecue potatoes in a pan. The first is to cook them in a foil packet or pouch, which makes the recipe easy and foolproof. The foil traps heat, allowing the potatoes to steam and become tender, while the outside turns deep golden and crisp. You can add ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs to the packet for extra flavour.

Another technique is to boil the potatoes first, before finishing them off on the barbecue. Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the potatoes, and cook until fork-tender. When they're cool enough to handle, cut them in half and toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, place them on the barbecue, cut side down, and cook until char marks form. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until tender and well-charred.

You can also place the potatoes directly on the barbecue, without any foil or boiling beforehand. Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slices and toss them in olive oil, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. Place them in a single layer on the barbecue and cook until grill marks appear and the potatoes are caramelized. Flip the slices and rearrange them on the grill to ensure even cooking.

Finally, you can try cooking the potatoes indirectly, which involves using the side of the flames under a closed barbecue lid to cook the potatoes more evenly.

Frequently asked questions

The best types of potatoes for grilling are those with thin skins and waxy flesh, such as Yukon golds, red potatoes, new potatoes, and yellow potatoes.

Parboiling is not necessary, but some recipes do recommend boiling the potatoes before grilling them.

Season the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic (or garlic powder). You can also add onion powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.

Grill the potatoes for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until char marks form and the potatoes are tender. The total grilling time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the heat of your grill. For medium-high heat, grill for 30 to 35 minutes.

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