Last time we talked about gas grills and what is available on the market. This time lets talk about grilling in general. Grilling is an excellent way to cook small cuts of meats, vegetables and some fruits. Remember grilling is over direct heat at high temperatures; this is not smoking or barbecuing which is done at lower temperatures and usually not over direct heat. Grilling can be quick and easy with excellent results.
Grilling can be done over a charcoal or gas grill. One item I recommend is an instant read thermometer. This will be used to check for doneness. If you are going to use charcoal you might invest in an electric starter or a charcoal chimney. This way you wont have to use lighter fluid which can sometimes leave aftertaste.
Many recipes you find will ask for different temperatures. The best way obviously is to have a temperature gauge installed on the grill itself. If you don't have one you can use this basic rule of thumb. Place your hand over the grill grate (don't touch now), palm side down. If the fire is low (200 to 300) then you can leave your hand about 5 seconds, if the fire is medium (300 to 375) about 3 to 4 seconds and if the fire is hot (375 or above) about 2 seconds. Most meats are grilled over medium hot fires.
When grilling don't forget to use that instant read thermometer. Beef is rare with 140ºF internal temperature, medium at 160ºF and well at 175ºF. Pork is well at 170ºF and poultry is well at 185ºF. Never ever serve pork and poultry until it is done. These products can put a hurting on ya like never before if served undone.
Don't forget to grill vegetables and fruits too. For fruits start with apples, pineapples and pears as they are the easiest to learn with.
Here is a little recipe for grilled chicken:
4 boneless chicken breast
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
½ cup orange juice
½ cup pineapple juice
Mix contents in bowl two hours before grilling and put in chicken breasts. Remove chicken and bring to room temperature (about 20 minutes). Cooking over a hot grill, it should take about 4 minutes per side.
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