Posts tagged: charcoal
Grilling 101: How to Light a Charcoal Grill
Hey BBQ peeps! Put down the lighter fluid and listen up. It’s about time you quit it with that stuff and learned how to light a proper grill, isn’t it?
Yea, that’s what we thought too. There are some hard and fast rules that you need to know when lighting a charcoal grill. Get to know them, memorize them, and never stray from them. Trust us, we won’t steer ya wrong!
Don’t Use Briquettes There are wayyyy too many fillers and chemicals in briquettes. If you use them, all that nasty stuff is getting into your food and no one wants that. Real hard-wood charcoal is the only way to go - it even burns hotter without the chemicals which is a major bonus. Don’t Use Lighter Fluid Lighter fluid = NO. Repeat that 10 times if you have to in your head. The chemicals in lighter fluid ruin the whole point of using real hard-wood charcoal. Don’t do it. It’s also a major fire hazard and no one wants to go the summer without eyebrows.
Use a Chimney Starter For REAL, folks. This is an easy one. If you’ve never tried lighting one before just follow these steps:
- Stuff 2 pieces of newspaper in the chimney starter.
- Fill the chimney with charcoal.
- Light the newspaper with a match or lighter.
- Remove the grate and set the chimney down in the grill, letting it burn for a bit.
- Make sure there’s smoke coming out of there or else that’s a sign the fire’s died.
- When ready to grill, dump out the coals. If you need a two zone grill for direct and indirect heat, set the coals off to one side when you pour them in (they don’t exactly move around easily once they’re in there!)
Easy right?
Clean Your Grill Clean your grill before you use it, ideally right AFTER you use it each time. Having that leftover ash and residue will block the airflow and that will kill your fire. With these four things in mind, you’ll be grilling stronger, longer and cleaner than ever before!
Grilling 101: The Best Tools & Grills You Should Buy Now
The ultimate question from anyone hoping to become a grill master this summer is... what kind of tools and grill should I be using? With all the tools and grills out there, both good and bad, it can be tough to know which ones you should be investing your money in. As grilling pros (not that we are trying to brag or anything), we want to make your grilling lives easier. So we're rounding up the top tools and grills on the market right now to make your decision-making process a bit easier. All the essentials are here! It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned grilling pro or just starting out, this roundup of tools and grills is the one guide you should be reading this summer. It's about time you finally invested in some good tongs isn't it...? The answer is yes. It's always yes. Who's ready to spend a little cash? It's all for a worthy cause... Delicious, juicy BBQ.
Best Grilling Tools
You can't start off a roundup of grilling tools without some reliable tongs. These OXO Good Grips Tongs are sturdy and will stand the test of time, without breaking the bank.
Yes, you need to actually clean that grill. We know it's a pain, but no one wants to eat meat that tastes like the shrimp you grilled last night. Grab this Weber brush and thank us later.
Brushing those ribs with sauce? Use this bomb extra long OXO Silicone Basting Brush for maximum coverage.
In our top grilling questions roundup, we told you the benefits of using a chimney starter versus lighter fluid. This Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter will get things heating up fast.
If you are never sure when those steaks hit medium rare, skip the fuss and use this handy ThermoPro Wireless Remote Meat Thermometer. Yep, you read that right - it's wireless.
Know a wannabe grill master or simply want to have them all to yourself? Snag this Cuisinart Stainless-Steel Grill Set or this BBQ Grill Tools Stainless Steel Set and you'll be set for life.
A grill master would never be caught without his/her skewers. These X-Chef Stainless Steel Skewers are the BOMB.
Have all the essentials now? Great! Top it all off with some Cedar Grilling Planks to hit some next level grilling this summer.
Best Grills
All of these grills are seriously killer when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck. You've got top of the line down to more moderate options here, for both gas and charcoal. Take a look at each and decide which one is right for you! All we know is, if you don't have a grill or want an upgrade, there's no better convincing that a pile of tasty barbecued meats.... Can you see it? We sure can.
Char-Broil Classic 4-Burner Gas Grill
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
Napoleon Rodeo Charcoal Kettle Grill
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill
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Grilling 101: The Best Way to Make Juicy Grilled Chicken
You know that magical juicy chicken you dream of getting hot off the grill in your very own backyard? It ain't as easy to make as you think. We hear it all the time - "how do I grill chicken breasts and keep them moist?" "Is there any way to avoid dry chicken? Help!" You asked BBQ-loving peeps and we are here to answer your grilling prayers. Just follow the crazy simple steps below and boom, just like that you'll be the envy of the entire neighborhood. Get that grill master cap ready...
First, use the bottom of a wide jar or glass (or even a small skillet) to flatten those chicken breasts in an even thickness. You don't need to pound them to super thin cutlets, just make them even. Now, brine that bird! Even a mere 30 minutes in a salty brine or marinade will make all the difference - plus you need time to fire up the grill anyway 😉
An easy brine is super salty water with a dash of black peppercorns will do the trick, or go fancy with a marinade for a couple of hours. Either way, make sure you are letting the chicken rest in the brine or marinade for at least 30 minutes.
Once the grill is hot, oil it up and grill the chicken breasts over medium high heat, approximately 350 to 425 degrees. Make sure they are over direct heat and grill them for just a few minutes per side. Fast and hot gives you a good sear and keeps the meat nice and juicy. When the meat reaches 155 degrees, remove it from the heat and let it rest. Don't worry, it'll keep cooking and reach that safe zone of 165 degrees while it rests. Just don't cut it too soon or you'll lose those tasty juices! Serve with any Pig of the Month BBQ sauce, chimichurri, or salsa. Happy grilling folks!
