BBQ is one of the best comfort food groups ever. Rich and saucy, mild or spicy, whatever you like it can be done on the BBQ. If you love a good BBQ, you should consider becoming a BBQ master. Here we will discuss how to become a barbecue expert.
One of the first things you need in order to be a master of your grill is the right tools. You will need to decide if you want to use briquettes or lump charcoal. Everyone has their own personal preference and there is not a right answer on this. It is up to you, however, you should know that briquettes are generally easier to light.
Don’t care for charcoal? Then go with a gas grill. With so many options on the market, you can find the one that is perfect for you.
If you are uncertain about what type of grill to purchase, limited-red can help you make the right decision.
And then you have to think about the grilling tools. The best tools for any barbecue expert to have are a spatula, tongs, and a carving poker. All three of these should be long-handled to protect yourself from getting too close to the flames.
A long-handled brush, a grilling basket, and skewers are also great equipment to have. Any tools you purchase for your grill should fit comfortably in your hand. If they do not feel right, they are probably not the tools for you.
Now that you have all your essential tools and the right grill for you, you will need to use your grilling skills. It is important to realize that not everything you grill will need to go right over direct flames. Some foods need more heat than others to properly cook. Foods that should be cooked in the center of the grill will be the ones that need direct heat. These include cuts of beef, such as steak and roasts as well as lamb chops. Vegetables that need direct heat include peppers, onions, eggplant, and whole mushrooms as long as the veggies are thickly sliced. Pizza can also be cooked in the center of the grill. Just remember, pizza will turn out best if it is cooked by itself.
Those foods that do best with indirect heat include pork chops and loin, shellfish, chicken, and vegetables such as asparagus and scallions.
Next up, you will need to learn how to properly prepare your foods in order to become a barbeque expert. One great tip I can offer is that if you are cooking a less expensive cut of steak, do not be afraid of salt. Use a lot of salt to cover the steak, and then allow it to sit for one hour. Pat it dry before putting it on the grill, and then cook it to your desired doneness. This will allow some of the proteins to be broken down so your cut of steak is perfectly tender.
If chicken or turkey is your choice of meat, you need oil on your grill! Keep it oiled for the meat does not stick. Also know that you should only flip it when it is halfway done.
Like having a sauce on your bird? You can add this during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Apply it with your long-handled brush that we talked about above. Great sauces to try are BBQ sauce, Teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard. For those of you that like to grill whole birds, you will want to make sure the chicken or turkey is fully defrosted.
Fish on a grill is divine. It can melt in your mouth if cooked properly. However, many have not yet mastered the art of cooking fish as it dries out. You must really pay attention to this when cooking it. Most fish do well over a medium-heat grill. The exception to this is peeled shrimp, calamari, and scallops. These need to be placed on a hot grill. Those that like whole fish will want to cook them on a low-heat grill.
If you like juicy steaks and chicken, once you take them off the grill, allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will keep a large amount of the juices in the meat, which gives it more flavor.
Hot dogs are a favorite of kids, so we can not leave them out. If you want to make the best hot dog ever, spiral them! This provides the hot dog with a larger cooking surface, meaning more flavor for you.
Becoming a barbeque expert does not have to be a challenge. By finding the right grill and tools, and learning a few tips and tricks about various cuts of meat, you can be a master of the grill in no time.
