The one thing people miss when cooking in a HOTLOGIC® is the browning (Maillard reaction) of the food. The Maillard (pronounced “my-YARD”) reaction causing caramelization (the sugars to brown) typically happens starting at 300ºF. Since the HOTLOGIC® only goes to the mid-170’sºF or the mid-180’sºF, depending on your device; it cannot cause the Maillard reaction which gives a delicious smell and taste to foods. The browning can easily be done by using a chef torch either before or after the food is cooked in the HOTLOGIC®.
Applying the Maillard Reaction When Cooking
This video shows how easy it is to perfectly cook a steak and create Maillard reaction with a chef torch. He uses a water bath (sous vide) method for cooking the steak instead of a HOTLOGIC®, but the principal is the same.
Tools
(Click images to see in Amazon.)
So now that you know how to do it, what tools would help you do this yourself?
A metal pan provides a safe dish to hold your meat while torching, There are some that can fit in the HOTLOGIC® Mini and Max/XP.
Fits a Mini
Right sized for a Mini
Fits a Family Size
To safely handle the meat while torching it, metal tongs or a meat fork will work. These two suggestions are each under $6 on Amazon at the time of writing this post.
A meat thermometer with wire probe will let you know when your meat has reached your desired internal temperature. You can check the temperature with your HOTLOGIC® zipped closed.
Of course a butane chef torch is required.
If you don’t already have one in your kitchen, it’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in easy reach, like this one pictured. Click image to see in Amazon.
For more information on how to select a fire extinguisher, click here.
With these tools to create the Maillard reaction when cooking in a HOTLOGIC®, it should be easy to prepare food with the caramelized finish. This will give you a larger selection of food prepared in a HOTLOGIC® that looks, tastes and smells delicious.
Hot Logic Maillard Reaction Cooking