10 Best Foods to Broil in the Oven

You’ll love broiling mahi mahi with coconut rice and fresh mango salsa for a tropical twist.

Broiling is a fantastic cooking method that brings out bold flavors and creates a deliciously crisp finish. Teriyaki salmon locks in flavor, while juicy steak gets a perfect sear.

Try stuffed jalapeno firecrackers or beef and roasted red pepper sandwiches for quick bites.

Broiled lemon-pepper tilapia and Portobello sandwiches offer light, healthy options. For snacks, super nachos and broiled grapefruit add a sweet or spicy kick.

Keep exploring to discover how to master these tasty broiled dishes perfectly.

This list of 10 best foods to broil in the oven will inspire your next meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and easy preparation that broiling provides.

Key Takeaways

• Broiling is ideal for quick-cooking fish like mahi mahi, teriyaki salmon, and lemon-pepper tilapia, enhancing moisture and flavor with a caramelized exterior.
• Juicy steaks and chicken thighs broil well, developing a seared crust and locking in moisture for tender, flavorful meat.
• Appetizers such as stuffed jalapeno firecrackers and crispy bacon benefit from broiling for perfect texture and rich taste.
• Broiled sandwiches, including beef and roasted red pepper or Portobello mushroom, melt cheese evenly and add caramelized flavors in under 15 minutes.
• Snacks like super nachos and broiled grapefruit caramelize quickly under high heat, boosting flavor while preserving nutrients and keeping preparation fast.

Mahi Mahi With Coconut Rice and Mango Salsa

One of the best dishes to broil in your oven is Mahi Mahi with coconut rice and mango salsa. This fish is perfect for broiling because it cooks quickly under high heat, giving you a nicely charred exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. You’ll love how the broiled Mahi Mahi pairs beautifully with creamy coconut rice, which adds a subtle sweetness that balances the dish.

To top it off, fresh mango salsa made with ripe mango, lime juice, and cilantro adds a bright, invigorating burst of flavor. This combination isn’t just delicious—it’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to choice for anyone wanting a flavorful, easy meal that highlights the benefits of broiling.

Teriyaki Salmon

Although marinating takes some time, broiling teriyaki salmon is a quick and rewarding way to get a juicy, flavorful meal on the table. Marinating your salmon beforehand not only prevents it from drying out but also infuses it with a rich, savory sweetness.

When you broil teriyaki salmon at high heat, the exterior caramelizes beautifully, locking in moisture and creating a delicious glaze. This method is perfect for weeknights since it cooks swiftly while delivering a healthy, satisfying dish.

Plus, teriyaki salmon tends to please even picky eaters, making it a versatile choice for family dinners. With minimal prep and a short broiling time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your oven.

Juicy Steak

Broiling a juicy steak is a great way to get a perfectly seared crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. To master this technique, keep these tips in mind:

1. Start with a room-temperature or even frozen steak; frozen can help lock in moisture for a juicier steak.
2. Add a pat of butter on top before broiling to enhance moisture and deepen flavor.
3. Watch your steak closely to avoid overcooking since broiling uses high heat that can brown your steak quickly.

Stuffed Jalapeno Firecrackers

You’ll want to keep a close eye on the bacon as it crisps under the broiler to get that perfect crunch without burning. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fillings—try cream cheese, shredded meat, or your favorite spices to make these firecrackers your own.

With just a few simple tips, you can create a flavorful, customizable appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Bacon Crisping Tips

When you crisp bacon under the broiler for stuffed jalapeno firecrackers, the high direct heat guarantees it cooks quickly and evenly. To master bacon crisping tips, keep a close eye on your bacon as it can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Use a broiler pan or a shallow tray with a rack to drain excess fat, ensuring crispiness. 2. Experiment with your broiler’s heat settings to find the ideal temperature for your desired crisp. 3. Partially cook bacon beforehand to reduce broiling time and prevent burning while achieving that perfect crunch.

Following these bacon crisping tips will enhance your firecrackers’ flavor and texture, making every bite deliciously crispy.

Customizable Filling Ideas

Although the classic cream cheese filling is a favorite, you can easily customize your stuffed jalapeno firecrackers with ingredients like cheddar, spicy sausage, or a mix of seasonings to match your taste. These customizable filling ideas let you tailor the spice level and flavor by choosing milder or hotter jalapenos and adding your preferred spices.

The broiler crisps the bacon wrapped around the jalapenos, perfectly complementing the creamy, cheesy, or savory fillings. You can experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even fresh herbs to elevate the flavor profile. Plus, these appetizers cook quickly—just about 15 minutes under the broiler—making customizable filling ideas perfect for last-minute parties or gatherings where you want to impress without the hassle.

Beef and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches

When you broil beef and roasted red pepper sandwiches, the broiler melts the cheese perfectly without needing extra tools like a sandwich press. This method cuts down your prep time, making it a quick and easy meal option.

You’ll get a warm, flavorful sandwich in no time, ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Cheese Melting Techniques

If you’re aiming for perfectly melted cheese on your beef and roasted red pepper sandwiches, the broiler is your best friend. It quickly creates a gooey, bubbly texture without needing extra equipment.

Here are three essential cheese melting techniques to get it right:

1. Preheat your broiler and position the sandwich 3-5 inches from the heat source for even melting and browning.
2. Use a broiler pan or shallow metal baking pan to promote heat circulation and prevent soggy bread.
3. Experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, which melt beautifully under intense broiler heat, adding flavor and texture.

Master these cheese melting techniques to elevate your sandwiches with perfectly melted, golden cheese every time.

Quick Sandwich Preparation

Since you want a quick and tasty meal, broiling your beef and roasted red pepper sandwiches is a perfect choice. The broiler melts cheese perfectly without needing a sandwich press, heating the ingredients evenly for a warm, satisfying bite. You can have this delicious meal ready in under 15 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dining.

To boost flavor, add caramelized onions or a spread like aioli before broiling. Try different cheeses to get that gooey texture that complements the beef and roasted peppers well. While you’re at it, consider the best chicken options if you want a poultry twist.

Broiling makes quick sandwich preparation simple, fast, and flavorful every time.

Broiled Chicken Thighs With Mango Salsa

Broiling four to six chicken thighs is a quick way to get a flavorful dinner on the table in about 10 minutes. Broiled chicken thighs are perfect for busy nights since they cook fast and stay juicy. To make this dish pop, try pairing the tender chicken with a fresh mango salsa.

Broiling chicken thighs delivers a juicy, flavorful meal in just 10 minutes—perfect when paired with fresh mango salsa.

Here’s how to nail it:

1. Marinate boneless, skinless thighs to boost flavor and tenderness.
2. Broil the chicken to seal in moisture and get a slightly crispy edge.
3. Top with a zesty mango salsa to balance savory with a sweet, invigorating twist.

This combo makes a satisfying meal that’s both easy and impressive. You’ll love how the bright salsa complements the succulent broiled chicken thighs perfectly.

Broiled Lemon-Pepper Tilapia

Just 20 minutes is all you need to prepare broiled lemon-pepper tilapia, a quick and healthy meal that’s full of flavor. The thin, flaky tilapia fillets cook evenly under high heat, giving you a moist interior with a crispy, golden surface. The lemon-pepper seasoning brightens the fish’s natural taste, making it a light, invigorating dinner option.

Broiling seals in moisture and locks in flavor, so you get a delicious meal without much fuss. Pair your tilapia with broiled pineapple for a sweet contrast that complements the zesty seasoning perfectly. Whether you serve it alongside steamed vegetables or rice, this straightforward recipe suits anyone looking for a nutritious seafood dish that’s both fast and satisfying.

Portobello Sandwiches

Portobello sandwiches offer a juicy, flavorful alternative to traditional burgers that’s perfect for meatless meals. When broiled, these mushrooms caramelize beautifully, locking in rich, savory flavors that make every bite satisfying. Just like broiled salmon, the broiler’s high heat enhances natural tastes quickly, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights.

Here’s how to make the most of your Portobello sandwiches:

1. Marinate your mushrooms to infuse bold flavors before broiling.
2. Broil until tender and caramelized, mimicking the effect that makes broiled salmon so delicious.
3. Customize with your favorite toppings and sauces for endless variety.

With these steps, you’ll enjoy a quick, tasty, and meat-free sandwich that rivals any broiled fish dish.

Super Nachos

If you enjoyed the rich, caramelized flavors of broiled Portobello sandwiches, you’ll appreciate how quickly super nachos come together under the broiler. The high heat melts cheese perfectly while crisping tortilla chips and warming toppings like seasoned meat or veggies without sogginess. In just minutes, you get hot, crispy appetizers ideal for sports events or casual gatherings.

Broiling also caramelizes the cheese, enhancing flavor and texture for the ultimate crunch. What’s great is how you can customize your super nachos—add jalapeños, beans, guacamole, or sour cream to suit your taste. This method encourages creativity in layering and seasoning, making each batch uniquely delicious and shareable.

Using your broiler for nachos is a fast, flavorful way to impress any crowd.

Broiled Grapefruit

Broiled grapefruit is a quick, flavorful way to elevate your breakfast or snack. This method caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and adding a delightful charred touch. Here’s how to make the perfect broiled grapefruit:

Broiled grapefruit caramelizes natural sugars, boosting sweetness and adding a delicious charred flavor to breakfast or snacks.

1. Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon.
2. Broil until the surface bubbles and chars slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Serve plain or top with yogurt, honey, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Not only is broiled grapefruit delicious, but it’s also a low-calorie, vitamin-packed option rich in vitamins C and A. This simple, 10-minute recipe is a nutritious way to brighten any meal or snack time.

Give broiled grapefruit a try—it’s an easy, tasty upgrade you’ll love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Foods Are Best for Broiling?

You’ll want to broil thin cuts of meat like steak, chicken cutlets, and pork chops since they cook fast and evenly. Fish fillets such as salmon and tilapia work great too, keeping moist with a crispy outside. Don’t forget veggies like asparagus, zucchini, and broccoli—they caramelize beautifully.

Shrimp and tofu are quick broil options that stay juicy. Even fruits like peaches and pineapples can be broiled for a sweet, caramelized treat.

What to Cook in an Oven Broiler?

You can cook a variety of foods in an oven broiler, like thin cuts of steak, chicken cutlets, or fish fillets since they cook fast and get a nice sear. Try broiling vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini to bring out their natural sweetness.

You can also melt cheese on sandwiches, caramelize fruits like pineapple, or quickly cook shrimp and tofu for a flavorful meal. It’s perfect for quick, high-heat cooking.

What Kind of Dish Can You Broil In?

If you’re broiling a cheesy French onion soup, you’d want to use an oven-safe, broiler-proof dish like a ceramic or cast-iron ramekin. These materials can handle the intense heat without cracking or warping.

What Is the Best Meat to Broil?

The best meat to broil is thin cuts of steak like flank or sirloin because they cook fast and get a nice sear without drying out. You’ll also love broiling boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they stay juicy and tender.

If you prefer pork, thin pork chops work great too. Broiling gives you a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy, so these meats are perfect for quick, flavorful meals.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got these 10 delicious broiling ideas under your belt, you’re ready to turn up the heat in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving juicy steak or tangy broiled grapefruit, these recipes are sure to hit the nail on the head for quick, flavorful meals.

So go ahead—fire up that oven and let your taste buds dance. Remember, sometimes the best flavors come from the simplest cooking tricks! Broiling in the oven is a fantastic way to create mouthwatering dishes with ease.

Embrace these broiling techniques and enjoy the rich, caramelized flavors that only broiling can bring. With these 10 best foods to broil in the oven, your meals will be both delicious and effortlessly prepared.