Why Does Food Always Taste Better on the Grill?

We’re not biased about it tasting better grilled; you know it’s a #fact. 

 

There’s just something enticing about food that tastes better on the grill. Is it the smoky flavor? The slightly charred edges? Whatever it is, there’s no denying that grilled food tastes amazing! But what makes it so special? Why does food seem to always taste better on the grill? 

 

Our outdoor living experts are here to break down exactly why your food tastes so much better when cooked on a grill, and why a custom outdoor kitchen takes it to another level.
 

Ready to enjoy that grilled flavor year-round? Get started with Synergy Outdoor Living! We’ll walk you through the process of designing and building your very own outdoor kitchen. Until then, let’s get cooking on answering why food tastes better on the grill.  

 

 

 Why Does Grilled Food Taste Better 

Have you ever wondered why we cook food in the first place? Of course, meats and some other foods are unsafe when eaten raw, but what about all the food that doesn’t need to be cooked? Heating food changes its flavor and texture, making it much more delicious, and grilling takes this to a whole new level!
 

When the food hits the high heat of the grill, it begins to caramelize and develop a crust. On a scientific level, it all has to do with the Maillard Reaction. This is a chemical reaction that happens when meat is cooked at high temperatures, usually over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. When the amino acids in the meat react with the sugars, it creates hundreds of new flavor compounds, giving grilled meats that unique flavor that you just can’t get from other cooking methods. 

 

Since You’re Here > Our Guide to Grilling the Perfect Steak 

 

Does The Maillard Reaction Only Work on a Grill? 

 

You might be wondering if you can get the same effect from cooking indoors. After all, your oven can get pretty hot!  

While you will technically get some of the Maillard Reaction with indoor cooking, it’s sadly just not the same.
 

A grill combines both the enclosed heat of an oven and the direct contact of a stovetop, giving you the best of both worlds! The high heat of the grill grates gives the food that signature char, while the enclosed space allows the food to cook evenly on all sides. 

 

There’s More to it Than Just Temperature 

 

When you’re cooking outdoors on a grill, you’re also exposing the food to smoky flavors. As the fat drips off the meat, it hits the coals or the hot metal and creates smoke. This smoke then rises and bastes the food, infusing it with even more flavor. 

 

Getting a grill with a built-in smoker is the best way to maximize this flavor!  

 

A built-in smoker box allows you to add wood chips or other smoking materials directly to the coals, infusing your food with even more flavor. 

 

With a smoker box, you can swap out different kinds of wood chips to create a unique flavor profile. You’ll gain total control and can create a signature flavor that your friends and family will love. 

 

Since You’re Here > Keeping your NEW Grill Clean 

 

The Great Outdoors 

 

Of course, there’s more to it than just the actual cooking process. One of the best things about grilling is that it gets you outside! Being outdoors has been shown to boost your mood and improve your overall health, so it’s no surprise that food just tastes better when you’re enjoying it in the great outdoors.  

 

 

Eating with friends and family is always a good time, but doing it outside makes it even better.  

 

 

Since You’re Here > Social Grilling: Why We Love Evo Cooktops 

 

 

Bring the Whole Kitchen Outside
 

Upgrade your outdoor space to more than a great grill. There are many benefits to installing a full outdoor kitchen in your home, from lower electric bills to increased home value. If you enjoy grilling outdoors, just imagine how much better it would be with:
 

• An outdoor kegerator 
• A built-in refrigerator 
• Sinks & countertop space 
• & More fun additions!
   

If you’re ready to add some flavor to your lifestyle year-round, then it’s time to get started with Synergy Outdoor Living. We’ll walk you through the process of designing and building your very own outdoor kitchen for your Tampa, Orlando, or Jacksonville, FL home. Give us a call today!