is it normal to grill lettuce

Lettuce might not be top of mind when it comes to grilling. I get it! A few years ago I too thought, “lettuce is so delicate, I just don’t think that will work. But after trying it, I understand why I was seeing it on restaurants everywhere. Because grilled romaine lettuce is amazing, and incredibly easy.

Without an ounce of effort, it turns lettuce into something so different and delicious. Hot and crisp, with browned ruffled edges. Tender on the inside, yet still some crunch to give.

A drizzle of good olive oil, a splash of bright lemon, and a dusting of fresh parmesan cheese. It’s the absolute perfect side to juicy grilled bone-in pork chops or Rotisserie Chicken on the Grill!

By Sam Sifton. Lettuces do nicely on the grill, softening slightly at their centers and charring beautifully at their tips. Their bitterness is a fine counterpart to the sweet spiciness of a lot of grilled foods. In this recipe, the dressing is Caesar-like.
is it normal to grill lettuce

Watch Video: How to Make Grilled Lettuce

is it normal to grill lettuce

This grilled lettuce technique is pretty much foolproof, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Most important: slice the head of lettuce VERTICALLY, think lengthwise. This keeps the leaves connected to the core, thus your leaves staying together, nice and firm.
  • Make sure your grates are clean, and brush them with a little oil.
  • Turn that grill up to medium high, no need to be shy. This will give the lettuce those beautiful sear marks and infuse a smokiness.
  • Don’t forget the fresh lemon juice. This is key to making the natural flavors of the lettuce sing, and brightens the entire dish.

You can watch this Grilled Lettuce video to help guide you in making it as well!

is it normal to grill lettuce

is it normal to grill lettuce

This might just be the technique that turns your salad naysayers into believers. When I was filming this video with my friend, him hustling with the camera while I brushed, grilled, and ate, the least I could do was offer him was the of result of our work. I offered, and he hesitated…. “I’ll try it, but I don’t like lettuce.”

He took one bite, sat silent, and then… “Okay, I guess I like lettuce”. Three days later he texted me a picture of grilled lettuce, the starter to the dinner he had made for his girl. I’ll take that as a win. Hope you enjoy it just as much, xo.

is it normal to grill lettuce

How to Grill Lettuce

FAQ

Do people grill lettuce?

Grilling romaine is just the easiest, most delicious way to get your greens. It’s an amazing contrast of tastes and textures. Top your grilled lettuce hearts with grated cheese and a simple vinegar or lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

What does grilled lettuce taste like?

Grilled lettuce tastes like lettuce but with the smokiness of the grill and slightly wilted. Grilling lettuce is a great way to temper the bitterness of a bitter green veggie like romaine, endive, broccoli rabe or escarole.

Why grilled romaine lettuce?

Grilling lettuce may seem strange, but it brings out its tenderness, enhances its natural flavor, and imparts a delicate smokiness. Fire up the grill: Lightly oil your grill grates, griddle, or grill pan and preheat on high.

Can lettuce be cooked?

Yes, sometimes. But add a little heat, oil, and aromatics, and lettuce can take on a whole new set of flavors and textures. Cooking lettuce is a long-practiced technique in Chinese and Asian American cuisines. Among these communities, vegetables are less commonly eaten raw, often stir-fried or blanched instead.

Is grilled lettuce Wilty & Hot?

Grilled lettuce gets a bad rap for being wilty and hot, which makes sense, because hot and wilty lettuce sounds pretty gross. But if cut and prepped correctly, certain greens are more than sturdy enough to stand up to a few minutes on a hot grill, and are all the better for it once they hit the plate.

How long do you cook grilled lettuce?

Grill for 3 minutes, cut side down, pressing with your tongs to make sure the lettuce gets a good sear. Flip and grill for 2 more minutes. Remove from grill. Sprinkle with a touch more salt and 4 grinds of fresh black pepper for each half, drizzle with remaining olive oil. Then squeeze fresh lemon juice over each half.

Why is grilled romaine lettuce so good?

Because grilled romaine lettuce is amazing, and incredibly easy. Without an ounce of effort, it turns lettuce into something so different and delicious. Hot and crisp, with browned ruffled edges. Tender on the inside, yet still some crunch to give. Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox.

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