Cooking Technique Archives

Fire Up the Fun: Your Guide to a Smokin’ Barbecue Season

Posted on February 22, 2024February 22, 2024 by Wiley

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to dust off your grill and get ready for the quintessential summer pastime: barbecues! But before you fire up the flames, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth, delicious, and stress-free season.

Grill Revival:

Clean Up Crew: Give your grill some TLC. Deep clean the grates, burners, and exterior surfaces. For gas grills, check for leaks and replace old batteries. For charcoal grills, remove ash and inspect the firebox for damage.
Tool Time: Ensure your grilling tools are in good shape. Sharpen knives, replace worn-out spatulas, and check for gas leaks in propane lighters.

Stocking Up:

Fuel for the Flame: Make sure you have enough propane, pellets, or charcoal in stock, depending on your grill type. Consider buying extra in advance, especially if you anticipate hosting large gatherings.
Flavor Arsenal: Stock up on your favorite grilling essentials: marinades, rubs, sauces, spices, and grilling oils. Don’t forget condiments like ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce.
Sidekicks and Snacks: Plan your side dishes and snacks. Consider light salads, potato salads, dips, and veggie platters to complement your grilled creations.

Masterclass in Marinades:

Flavor Fusion: Experiment with different marinades and rubs for meats, vegetables, tofu, or tempeh. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor penetration.
Safety First: Always marinate in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to prevent bacterial growth.

Grill Like a Pro:

Master the Heat: Learn about different grilling techniques like direct and indirect heat, searing, and smoking. This will help you achieve the perfect cook for different foods.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t wait for the big barbecue to experiment. Grill some burgers or veggies beforehand to get comfortable with your grill and techniques.

Bonus Round:

Outdoor Oasis: Spruce up your outdoor space. Clean furniture, add colorful pillows, and create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
Entertainment Corner: Plan some fun activities for your guests. Set up lawn games, have music playing, or even prepare a DIY s’mores station.
Safety First: Remember grill safety! Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, supervise children and pets, and never leave a hot grill unattended.

With these tips in tow, you’re well on your way to a fantastic barbecue season filled with delicious food, laughter, and good company. So fire up the grill, grab your tongs, and get ready to sizzle!

To stock up on supplies checkout our Amazon Store.

Master the Griddle: Your Guide to Two-Zone Cooking

Posted on January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 by Wiley

Two-zone cooking is a game-changer on the griddle. It’s not just about flipping burgers anymore; it’s about unlocking a whole new level of grilling mastery. By creating two distinct heat zones on your griddle, you gain unparalleled control over the cooking process, resulting in perfectly seared steaks, juicy chicken breasts, and flawlessly caramelized vegetables.

What is Two-Zone Cooking?

The concept is simple: divide your griddle into two sections, one hot and one cool. The hot zone, typically directly over the burners, delivers intense direct heat for searing, quick cooking, and crisping. Think sizzling fajita veggies, char-grilled burgers, and pan-seared scallops. The cool zone, situated further away from the heat source, offers indirect heat for slower cooking, gentle warming, and finishing touches. This is where you’ll find your delicate fish fillets, juicy roasts, and fluffy pancakes basking in the residual heat.

Why Go Two-Zone?

The benefits of two-zone cooking are numerous:

Precision cooking: Achieve the perfect sear without overcooking the interior of your food. No more dry chicken or tough steaks!
Versatility: Cook a wider variety of dishes simultaneously, from delicate seafood to hearty roasts.
Efficiency: Maximize your griddle space and cook multiple items at different temperatures with ease.
Convenience: Move food between zones for searing, finishing, or simply keeping warm, all on one cooking surface.

Setting Up Your Two-Zone Griddle

The beauty of two-zone cooking lies in its flexibility. Your specific setup will depend on your griddle type and configuration. Here are some general tips:

Gas griddle: Adjust the burner knobs to create different heat levels on each side.
Electric griddle: Utilize heat control dials or designated zones on the cooking surface.

Two-Zone Cooking in Action

Now, let’s put theory into practice with some recipe inspiration:

Seared steak with roasted vegetables: Sear your steak in the hot zone for a beautiful crust, then move it to the cool zone to finish cooking to your desired doneness. Meanwhile, roast your veggies in the indirect heat for perfect tenderness.
Pancakes and bacon: Whip up fluffy pancakes in the cool zone while crisping up your bacon in the hot zone – breakfast perfection!
Fish tacos: Sear your fish in the hot zone for a flaky texture, then warm your tortillas and caramelize onions in the cool zone. Assemble and enjoy!

Two-zone cooking is not just a technique; it’s a mindset. It’s about understanding heat control and using it to your advantage. With a little practice, you’ll be wielding your griddle like a pro, churning out restaurant-worthy dishes that will impress your friends and family. So, fire up your griddle, embrace the two-zone approach, and unlock a world of grilling possibilities!

Bonus Tips:

Invest in a good spatula and grill scraper for easy maneuvering and cleaning.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food reaches the proper internal temperature.
Experiment with different heat levels and cooking times to find your sweet spot.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Two-zone cooking opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to two-zone griddle mastery.

Till next time.

The Five Ways to Make Consistent Barbecue

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Wiley

The number one problem that most barbecue people have is achieving consistent results. This is because many factors can affect the outcome of a barbecue cook, such as the type of meat, the temperature of the grill, and the cooking time.

Here are some tips for achieving consistent results when barbecuing:

Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your meat is cooked to the desired temperature. Forget about time when cooking outside; cooking times can vary immensely based on outside air temperature, humidity, and even if your grill is in the sun vs in the shade.

Preheat your grill to the correct temperature: Different types of meat require different temperatures for cooking. By preheating, you are at least calibrating your cook to start consistently. Also, you need to move quickly from the danger zone of 40F to 140F. On a cold day, it might take your grill 30 minutes or more to come to temperature.

Don’t overcrowd the grill: This will prevent the meat from cooking evenly. Pellet grills are convection ovens. They cook with hot circulating air. When you overcrowd the grill, you restrict the airflow, meaning meat could be undercooked in one spot and overcooked in another.

Don’t move the meat too much: This will disrupt the cooking process and can make the meat tough. You will also be opening the lid too much, causing you to lose all that hot air cooking your food.

Let the meat rest before carving: This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Some chefs like Gordon Ramsey say you should rest your meat about the same time it took to cook. Even with a turkey, he says, rest it for at least 30 minutes before carving.

The best pitmasters are the ones who know how to control the temperature of the grill, griddle or smoker. Also, learn how to adjust the temperature to cooking time to ensure everything is done cooking simultaneously. In competitive barbecue, the ones that can predict when the cook will complete are usually the ones winning the competition.

Till next time.