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Getting Started:
Our Meat Department has put together some interesting
tidbits about grilling, as well as several different cooking ideas for
backyard barbecue fun.
- Open vents in the bottom of the grill. Place charcoal briquettes on an
area equal to the space the food will occupy, with an additional 2 inches
on all sides.
- Liquid starter, solid fuel blocks, and electric charcoal starters are
some of the methods you can use to start your barbecue.
- When the coals are ash covered and no longer flaming (about 30-45
minutes), spread them in a single layer, keeping them close together to
keep them hot.
- For subtle flavor, consider adding water soaked hardwood chips
directly to the charcoal fire, or place some moistened sprigs of herbs
directly on the coals or on the grill near the food.
Marinating Meat:
Marinades add unique flavors and textures to grilled
meat. A marinade is a highly seasoned liquid used to give flavor, and in
some cases tenderize tough cuts of beef. Marinades usually consist of liquid
such as water, fruit or vegetable juice, or oil, which is combined with
seasonings and herbs.
- For tenderization, meats need to be marinated for at least 6-8 hours.
For flavor, marinate meat for at least 15 minutes or longer.
- Allow ¼ to ½ cup marinade for each 1 to 2 lbs. of meat.
- Always marinate in the refrigerator.
- When basting the meat with a sauce, brush on during the last few
minutes of grilling to prevent it from burning.
Grilling Vegetables:
Grilled vegetables make easy, delicious accompaniments
for grilled meats. Most vegetables need no preparation for grilling other
than cleaning and a light brushing with vegetable or olive oil. All
vegetables should be cooked over medium coals and turned occasionally until
they reach a desired tenderness. For variety, skewer similar sized pieces
and cook until tender.
Onions
Slice onions ½" thick. Grill until tender, approximately 5-10 minutes,
turning occasionally.
Corn
Pull back husks, leaving them attached to the base, remove silk. Fold husks
back around corn and tie at each end. Soak corn in water for 1-2 hours.
Remove and grill for 20-30 minutes.
Yellow Squash
Cut into small sections and grill for 5-10 minutes.
Bell Peppers
Cut peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Grill for about 3-4 minutes
on each side.
Zucchini
Cut into long strips and grill for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Mushrooms
Select whole mushrooms which are at least 1" in diameter. Grill for 5-10
minutes.
Potatoes
Microwave small red potatoes until barely tender when tested with a fork.
Rinse in cold water to stop cooking. Thread on skewer and grill for 10-15
minutes.
Tomatoes
Slice tomatoes ½ to ¾" thick. Grill until heated through, approximately 5
minutes.
Seasonings:
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