Grilling times
Grilling times under a hot grill (the broiler, in the US). Heat the grill for about 5 minutes first and cook about 10 cm (4 inches) below the heat.
Vegetables
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 5–7 min | under a hot grill | Brush with oil and turn once. |
| Aubergine (eggplant) Slices | 4–5 min per side | under a hot grill | Brush slices with oil. |
| Corn on the cob | 10–12 min | under a hot grill | Brush with butter and turn every few minutes. |
| Courgettes (zucchini) Strips | 3–4 min per side | under a hot grill | Lengthways strips brushed with oil. |
| Mushrooms Large flat, whole | 6–8 min | under a hot grill | Brushed with oil or butter, gill side up; turn once. |
| Peppers (bell peppers) Halves, charred and peeled | 10–15 min | under a hot grill | Halves skin side up until blackened, then put in a covered bowl for 10 minutes and peel. |
| Tomatoes Halves | 5–8 min | under a hot grill | Halves, cut side up, for a cooked breakfast. |
Chicken, turkey and duck
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 8–10 min per side | under a medium-hot grill | Brushed with oil. |
| Chicken thighs Boneless | 6–8 min per side | under a medium-hot grill | Boneless, opened out flat. |
| Chicken drumsticks and legs | 20–25 min | under a medium grill | Turn every 5 minutes. |
| Chicken wings | 20–25 min | under a medium grill | Turn every 5 minutes. |
| Turkey breast steaks and mince Steaks | 4–5 min per side | under a hot grill | Steaks, brushed with oil. |
Beef
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak | 3–5 min per side | under a very hot grill | For medium rare to medium; 2 minutes per side for rare. |
| Burgers | 5–6 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
Pork, bacon and sausages
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork chops | 5–7 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
| Pork tenderloin (fillet) | 15–20 min | under a medium-hot grill | Turn every few minutes. |
| Pork belly slices | 15–20 min | under a medium grill | Turn every few minutes. |
| Sausages | 12–15 min | under a medium grill | Turn every few minutes. |
| Pigs in blankets | 15–20 min | under a medium grill | Turn every few minutes so the bacon doesn’t burn before the sausage cooks. |
| Bacon | 3–4 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
| Gammon and ham steaks | 4–5 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
Lamb and game
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb chops and cutlets | 3–4 min per side | under a hot grill | For pink. |
| Lamb steaks | 5–6 min per side | under a hot grill | For pink. |
| Lamb koftas | 8–10 min | under a hot grill | Turn every couple of minutes. |
| Venison steaks | 3–4 min per side | under a very hot grill | For medium rare. |
Fish and seafood
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 8–10 min | under a hot grill | Skin side down on foil; no need to turn. |
| Cod and white fish fillets | 8–10 min | under a hot grill | On foil, brushed with butter; no need to turn. |
| Smoked haddock | 6–8 min | under a medium-hot grill | Kippers take 4–5 minutes. |
| Sea bass Fillets | 4–5 min | under a hot grill | Fillets, skin side up. |
| Tuna steaks | 2–3 min per side | under a very hot grill | – |
| Mackerel Fillets | 4–5 min | under a hot grill | Fillets, skin side up, until the skin blisters. |
| Prawns (shrimp) | 2–3 min per side | under a hot grill | On skewers. |
| Scallops | 3–4 min | under a hot grill | In the shell, with butter; no need to turn. |
| Lobster and crab Tails | 6–8 min | under a hot grill | Lobster tails split lengthways, flesh side up with butter. |
Eggs, cheese and tofu
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halloumi | 2–3 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
Frozen food
| Food | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish fingers | 10–12 min | under a medium-hot grill | Turn halfway. |
Tips
- Line the grill pan with foil and oil the rack so food doesn’t stick.
- Thicker food sits lower, further from the heat, so the middle cooks before the outside burns.
- Turn once, halfway through. “Per side” times are for each side in turn.
Questions
How long to grill chicken breasts?
8–10 min per side under a medium-hot grill. Brushed with oil.
How long to grill salmon?
8–10 min under a hot grill. Skin side down on foil; no need to turn.
How long to grill sausages?
12–15 min under a medium grill. Turn every few minutes.
How long to grill steak?
3–5 min per side under a very hot grill. For medium rare to medium; 2 minutes per side for rare.
How long to grill chicken thighs?
Boneless: 6–8 min per side under a medium-hot grill. Boneless, opened out flat.
How long to grill chicken wings?
20–25 min under a medium grill. Turn every 5 minutes.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.