It's that time of year again when we dust off our trusty grills to whip up some yummy dishes for our friends and family.
But before you start your flames, you'll want to check out this selection of genius BBQ secrets that various pitmasters have let slip over the years.
These are all tips from folks who have made it their life's mission to produce the most tender, flavorful barbecue on the planet, so you know they won't steer you wrong.
Of course, they tend to be reluctant to share their tricks with the rest of us. That is why it's so amazing we've been able to uncover even this much from such tight-lipped grillers!
Beware: You may need a tissue to clean up your drool just reading about using these awesome ideas during your next cookout.
Take a look to learn a few BBQ secrets the pros use, and be sure to SHARE their tips with your friends!
1. Add Rub An Hour Before Cooking
For most cuts of meat, one hour is all you need to make sure all of the dry seasoning has soaked through before tossing it onto the grill.
2. Know The Difference Between Tender And Mushy While Marinating
It can be easy to confuse the two consistencies, but it all depends on the quality of your meat and whether or not it's tough enough to withstand long marinade times.
More expensive cuts can lose their structure completely if they're left in the liquid for too long.
3. Mustard Is Your Friend
According to pitmaster Melissa Cookston, using a light coating of ordinary yellow mustard after you've seasoned it will help to make it tender and add flavor while it cooks.
Don't worry, though, she also assures that it's not an overwhelming "mustard-y" taste.
4. Use Lump Charcoal Instead Of Briquettes
Lump charcoal is all-natural and will not only give the meat a better flavor without chemical additives — it will also heat up faster than briquettes.
5. Consider A Charcoal Chimney Versus Lighter Fluid
Many avid barbecuers advise against using the liquid, recommending a charcoal chimney to get the heat going instead, as it can add an odd taste to your meat's overall flavor.
If you plan on using it, though, just make sure the fire has calmed down completely before adding your meat to the grill — that way, you keep that chemical flavor from sticking to it.
6. Use Wood From Fruit Trees
If you're a fan of wood-smoked meat, know that grill masters recommend going with a fruit wood since their flavor is milder, and they generally contain fewer impurities.
7. Add Water To Your Fire
I know: It sounds contradictory. But using an aluminum pan filled with water, nestled in the middle of your coals, will coax out the natural moisture in your cut of meat as it heats. It will also catch any fat drippings, preventing flare-ups.
8. Have A Spray Bottle Of Apple Juice Handy
Some grillers think keeping a spray bottle filled with water is good for fighting off unruly flames, but that's what the dampers on your grill are for — they cut off the fire's oxygen without dousing your food.
Instead, fill that bottle with apple juice to spritz onto your meat periodically. It will prevent your slabs from turning black and give them an extra kick of flavor.
9. Add Butter To Meat While It Cooks
Pitmaster Johnny Trigg is notorious for this delicious trick that keeps his meat moist while adding an extra hint of flavor. He recommends squeeze-bottle options for maximum ease.
10. Take The Meat Off Before It's Fully Cooked
Like most dishes using high levels of heat, they continue to cook with the retained temperature once removed from the fire.
Your steak could go from medium-well to super-well-done in between the grill and the plate, so keep a close eye on it and remove just before it reaches that point. Investing in a meat thermometer will be really helpful.
11. Use Aluminum And Olive Oil For Clean Up
You can use a grill brush, too. But bunching up a simple ball of aluminum foil to scrape gunk away with olive oil after you're done cooking works just as well in a pinch. This will keep you from having to scrub harder at the caked-on grease the next time you're ready to grill.
Did you learn something new to try out on your grill this year? Be sure to SHARE all the genius tips for a better BBQ with your friends!
