Grilling is an art form that elevates the flavour of meat to new heights.
However, not all grilled meat is cooked to perfection.
It takes more than just lighting up the grill and placing the meat on it to get the right texture and taste.
Grilling techniques can make or break your meat.
In this ultimate guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about grilling techniques that will help you achieve perfect results every time.
In this article I will discuss:
Choose the right cut of meat
The cut of meat you choose can significantly affect how it will taste when grilled.
Some cuts like beef and pork tend to be tougher than others like chicken and fish.
For tougher cuts, cooking them low and slow is ideal, while for tender cuts like chicken breast, it’s best to cook on direct heat using high heat.
Consider the thickness of the cut and its marbling when choosing the right cut of meat for grilling.
Preheat your grill
Preheating your grill before grilling meat can make a significant difference in cooking meat evenly.
It ensures that the meat gets a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
Preheating also helps cook the meat through without drying it out.
Depending on the type of grill you’re using, preheating can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Know how to sear
Searing involves cooking meat at high heat for a short period, giving it a crispy, caramelized exterior.
Searing is essential when grilling steak, chicken, or fish.
To achieve a perfect sear, place your meat directly over the hottest part of the grill and let it cook for a few minutes.
Once the meat develops a sear, move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
Use the right marinade
Marinades are an essential ingredient when it comes to grilling meat.
They help to tenderize meat by breaking down the proteins and adding flavour to your meat.
Depending on what you’re grilling, you can use marinades containing acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juices or enzymes like papaya, and pineapple to tenderize the meat.
Don’t forget to brush the marinade over the meat as it cooks to keep it moist.
Use a thermometer to check for doneness
To ensure your meat is perfectly cooked, use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
The temperature may vary depending on the type of meat you’re grilling, but generally, chicken should reach 74°C/165°F, beef 63°C/145°F, and pork at 71°C/160°F.
After you’ve reached the minimum internal temperature, the meat still needs to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Cover it with foil for five minutes before cutting to keep the meat moist.
Final thoughts
Grilling is a fun and satisfying way to cook, but it takes more than turning on the grill to get perfect results.
This ultimate guide will help you understand the fundamental grilling techniques you need to master to become a pro at grilling meat.
With this knowledge, your meat will always be perfectly cooked, juicy, and delicious.
Try these grilling techniques out on your next BBQ, and dazzle everyone with your amazing cooking skills!