Want To Be A Barbeque Expert?
Master a few barbeque basics and you can be a pro Friday, June 01, 2018
Learning how to barbeque doesn't have to be intimidating. Make a few simple decisions, buy a barbeque grill, and practice a few basic recipes. You'll be a barbeque pro in no time.
Buy A Barbeque Grill
If you don't already have one, the first thing you'll need to do is to get a barbeque grill. Choosing between gas and charcoal is mostly a matter of whether you prefer convenience or authentic smoked flavor. Charcoal creates better smoky flavor, but gas grills are easier to light and heat up quickly.
Light Your Barbeque Grill
If you are using a charcoal barbeque, pile your briquettes in a pyramid in the middle and add lighter fluid. Light it and let the coals heat up for about a half an hour. You should see a layer of whitish ash over each coal, with a dull glow inside. Spread the coals out and you're ready to cook.
If you are using a gas grill, make sure you are in an open area. You need a lot of ventilation, so don't barbeque under a covered patio or in your garage. Turn the gas on and make sure you have a steady flame. Turn the flame to high and let it heat up for ten minutes.
A Few General Barbeque Tips
Before you start working on a few recipes, there are a few general tips that will help you.
- Always grill meat that is totally thawed.
- Trim extra fat away to help cut down on flare-ups.
- Don't use sauces that contain a lot of sugar while grilling. Brush them on at the end to prevent burning.
- Check our chart for cooking times before you grill anything. Knowing how long to leave it on is important.
Your First Barbeque Challenge
The first thing you need to master is a basic hamburger. Use ground chuck that contains at least 20% fat. You should make each patty at least a half an inch thick. Barbeque over medium heat for five to seven minutes. Turn only once.
Barbeque Bob's Secret to Success Whatever you do, don't use your spatula to smash the patties while they are cooking. This dries the meat out, and makes the liquid fat drop into the flames and form flare-ups.
The Next Barbeque Challenge
Grilling steak is actually the next barbeque challenge. Because steak can be served a little rare, it's easier to master than chicken. Great grilling steaks should be about an inch thick and have marbling streaks. Marinate them and then grill on high for five to seven minutes on each side.
But Can You Barbeque Chicken?
Cooking chicken is the biggest challenge. It's too easy to end up with meat that is overcooked on the outside and still raw on the inside. Because this is a major health hazard, you need to learn how to barbeque chicken properly.
Chicken should be cooked over a medium grill for at least thirty minutes. To make sure that it doesn't end up too dry, make sure to marinate it ahead of time, and consider precooking it partially before putting it on the barbeque.
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