Imagine lip-smacking steak, seafood, and exotic vegetables sizzling in front of you on a piping-hot volcanic stone. No wonder having a meal at the best restaurant in Canberra should be an overall experience. It should be not only for your taste buds but also for your eyes. This is why people are always looking forward to indulging in a hot stone cooking culinary experience. 

This cooking method and culinary experience help elevate your meal flavours and excitement. It offers a unique cooking and interactive way to enjoy your food. However, while you are making up your mind for an unforgettable hot stone cooking experience, it is essential to know about it in detail. 

Know more about hot stone cooking. 

Hot stone cooking is all about using a heated stone. It is made of natural volcanic lava and is 100% food-safe. The ability of this cooking method is that it can retain heat at the maximum temperatures. Further, it is ideal for grilling, searing, and even baking certain food items. Here are some benefits of hot stone cooking: 

• Customised or personal cooking experience

Every diner or ardent food lover can prepare their food at their opted doneness level while they are sitting at the table. 

• Top-notch flavours and textures 

The high heat of the stone helps in searing the food at a fast pace while locking in the juices and flavours of the meat, seafood, etc. Also, hot stone cooking is effective in offering a caramelised crust to the food items. 

• Interactive and improved dining experience 

The hot stone cooking method can easily turn a mealtime into a fun and interactive event. It can allow the guests to participate throughout the meal. 

How to prepare the hot stone for cooking? 

Before initiating the hot stone cooking, it is essential to prepare it properly. Here is what you need to do: 

• Clean the stone 

It is essential to clean the stone properly. This should be done with warm, soapy water and a clean brush. After rinsing it well, let it dry. 

• Prepare the stone 

Place the stone in a cold oven and let it heat gradually as per the instructions. This is essential when you are preparing the stone for the initial time. 

What are the special heat instructions for hot stone cooking? 

There are an ample number of ways to heat the hot stone. This also depends on the equipment as well as preference. However, it is essential to heat the core of the stone. 

Here are some methods to heat the volcanic stone for cooking: 

• Stovetop method 

After cleaning the stone, put it on a stovetop burner at high heat. This can be an electric or gas stovetop. The stone will take around 30-45 minutes to get heated. 

• Oven method 

Another method to heat the hot stone is by keeping it in the cold oven and preheating it. This method will take around 1 hour to heat the stone. Also, the oven temperature should be around 280-350 degrees Celsius. 

• Grill method 

To follow the grill method, the hot stone should be placed on the top shelf of the grill. The stone and grill should be preheated together at high heat. This method will take around 30-35 minutes to heat the stone. 

How to know when the stone is ready? 

To know the readiness of the hot stone, you can sprinkle some water or sea salt flakes on it. This should be done right in the centre of the stone. If the water gets sizzled or evaporates quickly or if the salt crystals jump or crackle, this means that your hot stone is ready to be used. But if the water sits down or the salt doesn’t crackle, then the stone needs to be heated more. The core of your hot stone should be heated properly. 

What food items can be enjoyed on a hot stone? 

After heating your hot stone properly to its core, it is time to indulge in delectable meals cooked on it. Here are some food items that can be enjoyed on a hot stone: 

• Steak 

The steak, sliced thinly, gets seared perfectly on a hot stone. Also, the thick cuts of the steak can also be cooked on it, depending on an individual’s preference. Either way, the slices of steak will get ready within a few minutes of searing. 

• Seafood 

You can even enjoy prawns, scallops, or tuna steaks on a hot stone. The flavours of these dishes come out to be splendid. 

• Exotic vegetables 

Not many people know about it, but hot stones can even be used to cook exotic vegetables. You can cook sliced peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, etc. They get grilled on the stone nicely with an intense flavour. You can also cook stuffed pepper or portobello mushrooms filled with cheese on the hot stone. 

Effective tips to follow for hot stone cooking

Here are some effective tips to follow while using a hot stone for cooking: 

• Opt for quality cuts 

Try to have quality meat and seafood when you are using hot stone. This way, you will be able to enjoy tender and mouth-watering meals. 

• Ponder upon your seasoning methods. 

A lot of people skip seasoning their food. Sea salt flakes flavoured food items can help break the barrier between the hot stone and meat. Also, it helps in offering lip-smacking food items. 

• Use dips and marinades. 

You can even use dips and marinades to enhance the flavours of your meal. This way you will be able to enjoy your meal more. 

• Properly preheat the hot stone. 

It is essential to preheat your hot stone properly. It should be sizzling hot and will result in properly seared food. 

• Use heat-resistant gloves. 

While using the hot stone for cooking, it is essential to use heat-resistant gloves. This way, you will have a great grip and will be able to stay safe from any burns or mishaps. 

• Enjoy the complete experience. 

Hot stone cooking offers an ultimate experience of fun interactions and delectable food. You can enjoy it with your friends and family, and allow them to cook their own meals but in an exciting way. 

Conclusion 

Hot stone cooking is a creative way to indulge in lip-smacking meals in a restaurant. However, there are not many restaurants that offer hot stone cooking to their guests. But at The Flames Galore, you can have the best time with your loved ones while cooking your own meals at the hot stone. We, as the best restaurant in Canberra, offer various food items that will leave you spellbound and satiate your taste buds.