Grilling meat to perfection is an art that anyone can master with the right knowledge and practice. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these secrets will help you create restaurant-quality grilled meat at home.
Some cuts of beef rise to the grilling occasion, while others leave you in the lurch. Ribeye steaks have a great marbling that helps keep them tender and fill with flavor when grilled.Â
Sirloin gives you great value for flavor, skirt steak is out of this world for fajitas and high-heat searing. These cuts have enough fat to remain juicy, even when cooked to your preferred doneness.
Chicken and turkey are favorites to grill. Bone-in chicken thighs have more moisture than boneless cuts. Whole chickens can be spatchcocked for even cooking.
Turkey breasts need to be monitored closely so they don’t dry out. Solving for those chowder recipes, or any poultry, is a lesson in flavor enhancement.
Seafood cooks fast, so prep is essential. Shrimp should be peeled but with tails left on to facilitate handling.
A light brushing of oil prevents salmon fillets from sticking. Tuna steaks can be grilled similarly to beef, you can sear the outside well and keep the inside tender.
For thin cuts that cook quickly, such as burgers or chicken breasts, direct heat is preferable. Indirect heat is useful for thicker cuts, such as roasts or whole chickens, letting you cook all of it evenly, without burning the outside.
If you can set your grill up with one side hot and one side cooler, you can control your cooking methods.
For meat grilled, allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes. This gives juices time to travel around the cut. Tent loosely with foil to hold heat but avoid steaming, which will soften the crust.
Charcoal grills can give you the old-timey flavor and better temperature control for smoking. Gas grills offer convenience and fast ignition. Pellet grills are great if you have long cooks for holding steady temperatures.
Every griller should own sturdy tongs and a reliable meat thermometer and a good basting brush. A grill spatula with a locking hinge helps safely flip meats. Think about specialty tools, like grill scrapers and meat mallets, as well.
A simple marinade consists of acid (vinegar or citrus juice), oil and seasonings. For a beef dish, try soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Chicken likes yogurt-based marinades with spices. Due to its delicate texture, fish requires little marination.
Let dry rubs soak in at least an hour before grilling so the flavors can penetrate. Drying meat before seasoning helps the spices stick. For wet marinades, be sure to remove the excess stuff before putting on the grill so you don’t have flare-ups.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone. Beef needs to reach 145°F for medium-rare, poultry 165°F, and fish 145°F, and not all thermometers are the same: instant-read is for when you want to check your food quickly while probe thermometers help you monitor temperature while cooking.
Look for juices starting to bubble up to the surface, discoloration, and firm texture. It just takes practice to develop an eye for how cooked you like your meat.
Serve hearty grilled meats with crisp salads. Arugula with shaved Parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes. For chicken, maybe grilled corn and black bean salad. Salmon goes well with citrusy avocado salads.
Grilled veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers and onions, go nicely with meats. Grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter contributes a note of sweetness. Potatoes can be grilled in foil packets containing garlic and butter.
Grilling meat like a pro involves knowing the ingredients, tools and techniques. Given quality cuts, appropriate prep, and an eye toward cooking methods, you’ll consistently yield flavorful, juicy results. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect — every grill provides a chance to learn. Have fun with making the great outdoors beautiful with delicious meals!
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