Father's Day is this coming Sunday, and while I'm a year-round aficionado of using the grill, most prefer it as a summertime activity. I thought it would be beneficial to Dads and other grill-meisters if I shared some basics in the hope that it results in a stress-free, enjoyable method of cooking.
In no particular order:
Get Your Grill Hot!— Regardless if you're old-school Weber with charcoal or Blue Flame Gas, get that baby hot. It's a great opportunity to incinerate the last grillings remnants, and prepare your grate for greatness. Use a stiff wire brush to clean the grate after its nice and hot. No brush? No worries, just wad up a good sized piece of aluminum foil and scrub away the grime. Now be sure to let those coals temper a bit, using gas...turn that baby down to medium.
Grillables—Whether you're grilling beef, chicken, tube-steaks (hot dogs), tofu, or romaine, be sure to bring your grillable out of the refrigerator at least a half-hour before it hits the heat. This will help create a more tender finished product.
Want Those Cool Grill Marks?...Don't Futz with the Meat!— I'm always asked how to get those real awesome marks on steaks and burgers that we see in magazines and on Food TV. Well, shy of having a food stylist you can get this effect by not constantly poking, proding and touching what you're grilling. Place it on the hot surface and walk away. Go get your Gin-N-Tonic or lemonade, the meat isn't going anywhere! Wait the prescribed amount of time and then flip. Shazaam! you've got great grill marks!
Finally, Let Your Meat Rest!— When your protein has reached the appropriate temperature, remove it from the grill to a plate and loosely cover with some foil. Wait at least 10-15 minutes. Don't worry, it'll still be hot. If you serve it right away and cut into it, it'll ooze all the juices and result in a lifeless, tough cut.
If Dad or the Grillmeister in your household is more in need of hands-on instruction around the grill, contact us to schedule a one-on-one Grill Session at your house. It's a gift the whole family will enjoy.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads!
Cheers!