I have been trying for weeks now to get a real cast-iron grill pan but I don’t seem to be able to find it. It looks like using grill pans is not very popular in Singapore. Nope, not that crappy little edged pans but a real cast-iron grill pan. Those types with real ridged grills in them. The reason why I am choosing grill pans is that it is more healthy way to cook stuff. Oil and fats and whatever juice will flow off the ridges to the bottom of the pan and not into the food. And it also leaves a very nice charred mark on the food. I am actually looking for non-stick grill pan which can handle a lot of heat. The first one I bought is now warped after a few grills. That’s Singapore quality for you. Sure, it looks good and modern in the beginning, now it looks lopsided. Note that I maintain the grill pan very well, I don’t pour cold water on the hot pan. I let it cool down and clean with slightly warm soapy water and it still warps. My friend told me it’s because the metal is too thin for high heat grilling. My grill pan is actually aluminum and not cast iron. Heat heat grilling is needed for cookings thick steaks and making nice charred marks on the steaks.

I mainly use the grill pan to cook steaks. Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, fish and vegetables can all be grilled on the grill pan. If you like, you can also grill burgers with the grill pan, but you should always use a cover when grilling burgers. Why? Because burgers tend to get dry easily, and using a cover stops moisture from escaping and keeps the heat in. And yes, those charred marks look great as well. Heck, for your burger, every ingredient can be grilled on the grill pan. Put your buns, tomatoes, onions and patties on the grill pan and let them cook. Oh, you can’t grill lectuce though. It would simply burn away.

And I love grilling. Don’t you just love it when you put your steaks in and the sizzling sound comes in! That’s the sear! And I love the smell of a well-cooked grilled meal. Just think of the rubs, marinades, baste, sauce and the lovely juicy steaks that come out of your grill pan……wow! I am feeling hungry already.

Anyway, I tried many shops and departmental stores in Singapore. I even tried those specialized for cooking and kitchens. But no one sells a real cast-iron grill pan. Yes, they have a lot of grill pans, but most are poorly designed with poor quality finishing which will ultimately warp in no time. Someone tell me where you can find a good grill pan!