Nothing screams American pastime way better than grilling in your cool ol’ backyard. Whether it is for someone’s birthday, sports event, Fourth of July, or just for fun, grilling has become one of those things that you can really enjoy without spending too much. Fancy a greasy burger? Fire up the grill! Want some sausages to go with that huge slab of steak? Grill away!
Indeed, a good, sturdy grill is one of the most essential things every household should have. Want a basic understanding of what a great grill is and what it could do to improve your cooking pastime? Well, here is your guide--- read on!
Here is a basic understanding of a simple but very efficient grill:
A grill is not like any stove or microwave oven in town, though it can combine the mechanism of these equipment. A good grill usually has an open grate or rack with a heat source under it, either charcoal, wood, or gas. By placing the food (mostly meat, but people also grill vegetables and seafood such as fish and prawns) directly on the rack, you can witness a great grilling experience.
Grills cook food using high-temperature dry heat, and because of this, the meat should be tender enough and marinated well to retain the moisture and avoid drying the meat too much. The result of a steady and careful grilling would be a food that is smoky both in flavor and aroma, complete with the usual grate mark on the surface.
You only need one grill to perfect your burger cooking, but there are many types to choose from:
A gas grill is the most common and popular type of outdoor grill in the United States. It usually uses propane for fuel, and some variants have a rotisserie attachment that comes with it. People prefer gas grill among others because it cooks meat fast and is easy to use.
While gas grill is the most popular choice, charcoal is the most classic of all outdoor grills. Although it is more consuming and messy than gas grills, charcoal grills still produce best results. If you like your meat smoky and full of flavor, then charcoal grill is the best option for you.
An electric grill is quite different compared to other types of grill, because instead of using any wood, charcoal, or propane to power it, this one uses electricity, just like any other appliances. If you do not want any charcoal residue scattered everywhere, this is a great alternative.
This type of grill has a modern feel, and aside from its elegant exterior, it has the ability of steadily holding the temperature, making it perfect for cooking huge pieces of meat, such as one whole chicken or a very big slab of steak. However, ceramic grills are a bit expensive because of the materials used to make it.
Like the name suggests, this is a do-it-yourself type of grill. If you want to save money or get your ideas for the perfect grill out there, a homemade one is for you. Like other people, you can make a homemade parrilla grill, which is perfect for an afternoon of outdoor grilling on a patio.
A smoker grill uses aromatic smoking woods, and as a result, anything that is cooked using this type of grill has more tender meat and great, intense flavor. This kind of grill is great for people who want to cook their meat slowly (but surely) at low heat.
Do you want a grill that is not a big burden to carry around? If you do, then a good ol’ portable grill is the one for you! It is a lot smaller than other types of grill, making it efficient for travelling, camping trips, and more. With a charcoal, electric, or gas portable grill, you can cook your favorite meat anywhere!
If you like to cook your burgers or sausages on an open fire, just like in campfires, then a sturdy wood fire grill is the perfect fit for you. It is usually an open grill (meaning there is no lid or cover) and has a crank mechanism to let you manually adjust the heat by moving the grill grates up and down. Because of its open wood fire style, it gives your grilled meat a distinct smoky taste and aroma.
A total opposite of the portable grill, this one is installed in your backyard forever. If you are not planning to have a grilling session anywhere than your house, then a permanent grill is the one for you. You can purchase it in either propane or natural gas model and grill away!
Natural gas grills do not use propane gas to fuel itself--- you can just plug it into your natural gas line! Because natural gas is considered cleaner than propane, it is the perfect type of grill for people who care a lot for the environment. Propane or not, this grill will cook your meat just the same.
First time to grill? Here are some helpful tips to achieve that succulent, delicious, and perfect grilled meat:
This is common knowledge, but some people tend to skip the cleaning part and go straight to grilling. Before cooking, scrub the grate with a wire brush for a clean grill--- not to mention clean and safe food!
For a hassle-free grilling, grease the grate with oil to prevent the food (meat, vegetables, or seafood) from sticking to it.
In grilling, flavor is so important. Before putting your food on the grill, add some flavor and spices to it first. You can glaze it with molasses, honey, or maple syrup; or apply herbs and spices to give your food that distinct extra flavor.
For an extra smoky flavor, use briquettes, chips, or hardwood logs while grilling. For specific tastes, try various heat sources, like applewood for sweetness, hickory for bacon taste, and mesquite for tang.
When grilling, make sure to be as organized as possible. Lay your food in orderly lines, so you can keep track of what to flip or move first.
Yes, resist the urge to constantly flip, poke, or move the food that you are grilling. Leave it alone and give it time to sear. When grate marks start to form, that is when you must make a move.
Hungry? Wait a little and do not serve the grilled food as soon as it is done cooking. Let it rest for a few minutes (for small cuts) or up to 15 minutes (for large roasts), and let the flavors sit and sink in for a while.