Grilling paper is a relatively new way to add flavor to your barbecued foods. Some people use grilling planks, which are large boards made from different types of aromatic wood that can significantly enhance the taste of food. These are reusable, and resemble cutting boards. Grilling paper tends to work on the same principles, except that it is thinner and lighter, and may be for one time use only. It resembles plywood, and is made from the same types of woods use in grilling planks. Some popular choices are alder, oak, and cedar.
The advantage of using grilling paper, which usually comes in sheets of 6 inch by 6-12 inches (15.24 by 15.24-30.48cm), is that it can be wrapped around food to seal in flavor. Since it is paper and can catch on fire, it does need to be soaked in water prior to being used on the grill. Some people add more flavor by soaking the paper in juice, spirits like whiskey, or vinegar. If you do soak the paper with alcohol, you need to be careful because it can render the paper more flammable.
Grilling paper may not always wrap securely. If you’re having trouble keeping it firmly wrapped around food, you can use a soaked piece of twine to truss it. It really can make for wonderful and different dishes from your barbecue, since it allows for food to be partially cooked by steaming as well as by direct heat grilling.
You’ll find grilling paper typically sold in packages of ten since you can only use it once. Price ranges from about $15-20 US Dollars (USD) for a ten pack, depending upon the size of the paper. You can check barbecue supply stores for grilling paper, but it may be hard to find much variety. Specialty foods stores are also a good place to search for it. When these fail to provide you with enough selection, the Internet is probably the best source, which will offer you lots of variety in wood types.
You can also find many online recipes that utilize this paper, and grilling planks. Foods that never really worked on a barbecue before, like cheese, are accessible. You can try smoked steamed vegetables with cheese sauce, steak smothered in wine soaked mushrooms, or a variety of other creative dishes to tempt the appetites of your family and guests. You can even impart flavor to breads or baked potatoes using grilling paper, which can complement main dishes.
