It is summer time and that means spending more time outdoors and grilling and barbecuing for family and friends. Why not knock everyone’s socks off with these 10 totally off the wall grilling techniques and recipes?
1. Cold Grate Grilling
Being a master griller means a lot more than just throwing some steaks and burgers on the grill. You need to understand the nuances of different grilling techniques like the Cold Grate Grilling Technique, a two-step process where you reverse-sear the meat. Basically you slowly warm or smoke the meat to an internal temperature of 110 to 115 degrees and then sear it over the fire. While you are doing this, you also rotate the grate at one-minute intervals. With this type of two-zone grilling, you don’t get grill marks on the meat.
2. Using a Smoker
When you want to make an impression with your grilling techniques, it is not enough that the meat is well-cooked, but that it also has delicious smoky accents. To do this right, you need to make sure that your gas grill has a smoker box attached. All you need to do is fill the box with wood chips soaked in liquid. If you are using a charcoal grill, then just add the chips to the hot coals. The aromas from the burning wood chips will give your meat that extra something special that all your guests will be raving about.
When it comes to using a smoker, it also important for you to know how the different wood flavors will interact with the meat. Cherry wood offers a sweeter note than hickory or oak for instance. Which one you choose can really influence the taste of your meat.
3. Indirect Grilling
Indirect grilling relies on radiant heat to cook the food. All you need to do is place the food on the opposite side of the grill where the fire is. Then close the lid. By using indirect grilling, you are ensuring that your food cooks more evenly and won’t be charred on the outside and raw on the inside. Keep in mind though that his type of grilling will take longer. And don’t worry, even if you have a charcoal grill, you still can take this approach. Simply. Place the hot coals on only one side of the grill. Indirect grilling is perfect for thicker cuts of meat like roasts.
4. Use a Chimney Starter
A chimney starter is a tube that you put the coals in. It allows you to start your grill without needing lighter fluid. You can make one on your own or buy one. Either way, it shows your MacGyver skills and your ultimate passion for grilling.
5. Japanese-style Grilling
In Japan, Robatayaki is an open fire grilling technique that has been used for centuries. To get the same experience wherever you live you need binchotan, a type of charcoal that creates very little flames and no smoke at all. You can buy a robata grill or just use binchotan on an open fire pit.
6. Rotisserie Grilling
There are also rotisserie grills out there you can also buy which allows you to try your hand at a popular grilling method called spit roasting. These type of grills will rotate the food on a motorized skewer for you for the perfect rotisserie meats. You can also install a rotisserie motor to the grill you already have. Just follow the instructions for a safe and proper DIY installation.
7. Organize to Impress
While not a grilling technique per se, organizing your meats by temperature shows off your master grilling skills to your guests and will sure to impress. They will appreciate how easy it is to tell which pieces of meat are well-done, medium and medium rare.
8. Experiment with Marinades
Besides grilling techniques, you will also want to master delicious grilling recipes too. Marinades are a great way add more flavor to your dishes as well. Check out this Lemon and White Marinade or this Smoky Mesquite Marinade. Always be sure to marinate in the refrigerator and not at room temperature for food safety reasons.
9. Grill the Unexpected
Usually we concentrate on meats when we think about grilling, but there are a lot of foods that are perfect for grilling. Fruits and vegetable and full dishes can cook up delicious on the grill. Check out this recipe for a Detox Salad. It is chockful of fresh tomatoes, romaine, shrimp and other unexpected delights. Also check out this grilled watermelon with smoked salt and japapeno rings.
10. Open Pit Barbecuing
Chaps Pit Beef has grown a strong, loyal following for its use of open pit barbecuing. You don’t find this technique at too many restaurants this day, but it brings a unique taste to the food. Bob Creager, one of the owners of Chaps Pit Beef, has spent many years perfecting his pit beef sandwich. Pit beef is one of the most popular types of bbq in the U.S., and it is the known as the best bbq in Baltimore.
If you want to take your hot grilling skills professionally, why not consider opening up your own Chaps Pit Beef, one of the most popular franchises available today. They are looking for passionate entrepreneurs to join their franchise program. For more information, contact them today.
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