Helpful Tips for Grilling Meat
Grilling meat over a fire and outside is a time honored American tradition. The roots of grilling go all the way back to the first man and ever since then man has created an endless variety of grilling styles and recipes. Grilling meat using new and interesting ideas can be extremely rewarding and fun, or simply use a time tested method to get that traditional taste. This article features a medley of different grilling tips and ideas to help ensure you have the best barbeque possible and has been collected from chefs and cooks all over the country. So enjoy!
First things first, always take proper care of your grill. It doesn’t have to be immaculately clean, but a good scrubbing now and then while it is warm will keep the surface in pristine cooking order. Make sure all the valves and hoses are in good condition and that you have propane. If using a charcoal grill, take the time to build up a proper pyramid shaped briquette cluster to ensure for even cooking. A well cared for grill will provide for a better grilled meal.
Preparation Tips
- Preheat the grilling rack to kill off any nasty pathogens or food scraps from the last time and to ensure for quicker browning.
- Built a charcoal pyramid to start and make sure that at least a single layer of charcoal exists up to the 3 inches surrounding the cooking area.
- Use as little charcoal lighter fluid as possible as it leaves a nasty residue.
- Remove silver skin, fat and tissue from meat before grilling. Trimming fat prevents grease flare-ups and burning the meat.
- Marinate your meat to really add flavor. Be sure to lightly dry the meat just before grilling to aid in the browning process.
- Pick a good cut of meat- it can really make the difference.
- Only add dry seasoning such as salt just before grilling, any longer and it will pull moisture from the meat.
- For extremely juicy burgers, use ground beef that is 15-20% fat. Ensure even cooking by keeping burgers relatively thin.
- Keep fish and pork chop cuts more than 1 1/2 inches thick to prevent them from drying out.
- Cut beef against the grain.
Cooking Tips
- Add sauces at the very end to prevent burning.
- Sear meat quickly on a pre-heated grill to keep in the flavor.
- Grill turkey- it’s not just for Thanksgiving.
- Try lamb- it is great.
- Use tongs to turn meat-never poke holes in meat with a fork or knife; it allows moisture to escape and makes the meat tough.
- Turn meat only once during cooking.
- Don’t overcook meat.
- Use a lid if you want to cook meat to well-done.
- Seal meat in foil for the ultimate in tenderness.
- Dip beer brats in beer first- it prevents them from burning.
- For special events, grill up some breakfast meats.
- Never BBQ indoors because of carbon monoxide.
- Tenderized flat skirt steaks for fajitas first to make them more flavorful.
- Adding an opened can of beer to a closed BBQ will keep the whole setup in more moisture, resulting in better meat.
- Add cheese only in the last minute of cooking.
- Allow meats to rest for at least 1-2 minutes before serving to let the meat become more juicy and tender.
Eating Tips
- Enjoy grilling meat for dinner, lunch or even for breakfast. Grilling provides that one of kind taste and the act of preparing, grilling and eating meat is a fun and rewarding process. Try new recipes and cooking styles, be surprised even after years of grilling by learning something new.