One of the most significant advantages of using a grill basket for fish is the ease of seasoning and marinating your catch. Before grilling, you can marinate your fish in your favorite blends of herbs, spices, and oils. The grill basket provides a stable environment where the flavors can meld beautifully. When it’s time to put the fish on the grill, you simply place the basket on the grate, and the grilling process begins without additional hassle.
The amino acids, sugars, and creatine in meats react at high temperatures forming heterocyclic amines(HCAs). HCAs are not found in significant amounts in foods other than meat cooked at high temperatures. The hotter the temperature and the longer the meat cooks, the more HCAs are formed. HCAs can also form on broiled and pan-fried beef, pork, fowl, and fish. In fact, National Cancer Institute researchers have identified 17 different HCAs that result from cooking “muscle meats,” HCAs that may pose human cancer risks. Studies have also shown an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers associated with high intakes of well done, fried, or barbequed meats.
5. Size Matters
Size matters in both ways. When it comes to cooking, you want to cube or slice meat into smaller portions to speed up the cooking time or choose a quick-cooking option like shrimp or fish. Because remember, the faster foods are cooked, the less likely they’ll develop dangerous charring. Another benefit of keeping meat size small is to keep your own diet on track. A healthy portion of any type of meat is about 3 ounces, and definitely no more than 6 ounces. If you think it won’t be enough to satisfy your stomach, just grill more veggies and fruits. Yes, fruits can be great on grills. The natural sugars caramelize in the high heat, giving them extra sweetness and flavor. Try sliced apple, pear or pineapple or halved bananas, figs, nectarines, peaches or plums. You’ll have a more colorful plate that you’ll enjoy guilt-free!