Warming temperatures and longer days can only mean one thing - barbeque season has arrived! It's time to slip off the grill cover, get a full tank of propane and make sure the grill is gleaming and ready for a season of delectable, mouth-watering meats.
Perhaps the two most critical elements of successful grilling are temperature and timing. Although many cooks easily remember this in the kitchen, it's easy to forget when you're relaxing outside with family and friends. Here are the five golden rules for successful grilling each and every time you light up the burners:
1. Plan Ahead - Know what you'll be cooking, how you'll be cooking it, and how long it needs to grill for. This will prevent dry, overdone meats. A handy tool to use is a timer.
2. Clean the Grates - Make sure your grates are clean, hot and slightly oiled before placing the meat on your BBQ.
3. Quality Ingredients - This is actually a golden rule for all forms of cooking. A chef I know always insists that fresh ingredients are the only
way to go. Keep it fresh and you will always maximize flavor.
4. Watch the Fat - As meats start cooking on the grill, fat drippings will fall into the flames and cause flare ups. When this happens, be sure to move the meat to another section of the grill. It will prevent burnt or over-done meats.
5. Room Temp is Best - If you have been marinating meats for several hours or overnight, be sure to pull them out of the fridge and let them reach room-temperature before grilling. This will "shock" the meat less and ensure moist and flavorful foods.
Whether you are searing ribeyes or building kabobs, there are a ton of incredible grilling recipes to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:
Whatever you choose for the menu, make sure to keep your tools clean, your ingredients fresh and your timing perfect. You won't regret it for a minute!
