How to Flambé Like a Pro on the Arteflame Grill

What Is Flambéing?

Flambéing involves adding alcohol to a hot pan or cooktop, igniting it, and letting the flames briefly cook the food. This process burns off most of the alcohol, leaving behind rich, infused flavors. Popular dishes for flambéing include:

• Steak Diane
• Bananas Foster
• Shrimp Scampi
• Crêpes Suzette

The Arteflame Grill offers the perfect setting for flambéing, as its open flame and solid steel cooktop allow for controlled, even heating.

Preparing the Arteflame Grill for Flambé

1. Light the Grill

• Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
• Stack firewood over the napkins.
• Light the paper and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop reaches optimal heat.

2. Create Your Heat Zones

The Arteflame’s flat cooktop is hotter near the center and cooler at the edges. Use these zones strategically:

• Use the hotter center for initial searing and flambéing.
• Move food to the cooler outer edges to rest or finish cooking.

Step-by-Step Flambé Tutorial

1. Select Your Alcohol

Choose an alcohol with a high enough alcohol content to ignite, such as:

• Brandy
• Rum
• Cognac
• Whiskey

Tip: Avoid using alcohol with less than 40% ABV (80 proof) as it won’t ignite properly.

2. Prepare Your Ingredients

• Make sure your food is pre-cooked or seared, as the flambé process is quick and doesn’t cook food thoroughly.
• Have all ingredients ready at hand to avoid scrambling during the process.

3. Sear Your Food

• Place your protein, fruit, or dessert base on the hot center grill grate or flat cooktop.
• Sear or cook the food to the desired doneness before flambéing.

4. Add the Alcohol

• Carefully pour a small amount of alcohol (around 2–3 tablespoons) over the food.
• Avoid pouring directly from the bottle to prevent flames from traveling back into it. Use a ladle for safety.

5. Ignite the Alcohol

• Using a long-reach lighter or match, ignite the alcohol immediately.
• Step back as the flames rise, ensuring safety at all times.

Tip: Flames should burn out naturally within a few seconds. Do not attempt to blow them out.

6. Finish Cooking

• Once the flames subside, move the food to the cooler outer zones of the cooktop to finish cooking or rest.
• Use a sauce or glaze to enhance the dish further.

Safety Tips for Flambéing

Flambéing involves fire, so safety is essential:

• Have a fire extinguisher on hand: Be prepared for emergencies.
• Use heatproof gloves: Protect your hands from heat and flames.
• Keep a safe distance: Stand back when igniting alcohol to avoid burns.
• Avoid flammable materials: Keep towels, paper, and other flammable items away from the grill.

Flambéing Ideas for the Arteflame Grill

1. Steak Diane

Prepare tender steak medallions, flambé with brandy, and finish with a creamy mustard sauce for an elegant dinner.

2. Bananas Foster

Caramelize bananas in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on the flat top, flambé with rum, and serve over vanilla ice cream.

3. Shrimp Scampi

Sear shrimp in garlic and butter, flambé with white wine or brandy, and toss with herbs for a delicious seafood treat.

4. Crêpes Suzette

Cook delicate crêpes on the cooler edge of the Arteflame, then flambé with Grand Marnier for a classic French dessert.

Why the Arteflame Grill Is Perfect for Flambé

The Arteflame Grill’s flat cooktop and open design make flambéing safe and effective:

• The solid steel surface prevents alcohol from dripping into the fire.
• Different heat zones allow for precise control during cooking.
• The open flame creates a visually stunning and interactive cooking experience.

Final Thoughts

Flambéing on the Arteflame Grill adds excitement and flavor to any meal. Whether impressing guests or enjoying a solo culinary adventure, this technique is a showstopper. With the right preparation and safety measures, you can create delicious, flame-kissed dishes that elevate your grilling game.

Light the fire, ignite the flavors, and let the flames dazzle!