The tradition of cooking meats low and slow over the fire in the USA is older than the nation itself. When Christopher Columbus first arrived, the barbecue fires were already smoldering on Hispaniola Island.
While the basics of this cooking style are still the same, since then we’ve discovered a wealth of good food to grill using this traditional method.
These are the best ones.
How to Grill Meat
The best barbecue meats are pork, chicken, and beef but you can also enjoy turkey, fish, and vegetables on the BBQ. Let’s take a look at the best ways to make these stand out the next time you light the home fires.
The secret to perfectly grilled meat lies in hitting the sweet spot when it comes to cooking temperature and timing. Pork and beef do best at 145° F, while chicken, turkey, and fish need a cooking temp of at least 165° F.
A good way to test the temperature of your barbecue is by holding your hand above the coals. When it’s at the right temperature, you’ll only be able to withstand the heat for five to seven seconds.
Seasoning and marinades are the next most important things when it comes to creating stand-out barbecue meals.
Some of the best flavors to pair with chicken include rosemary and garlic, teriyaki, and Italian-style marinade with garlic and salad dressing.
A good piece of fish shines when it’s got some lemon and herbs to bring out its best, and beef’s one of the most versatile meats of all.
The next time you’re planning a barbecue scour your recipe books and the internet for ideas. Don’t be afraid to try something new, especially when you’re entertaining.
Good Food to Grill for a Party
When you’ve got friends coming around to share in your barbecue prowess, it’s time to get creative. Try some of these grilling food ideas:
- A mixed grill of sausages
- Shrimp grilled with oregano and lime
- Whole chicken with red curry seasoning
- Apricot chicken wings
- Steak marinated in chipotle and orange juice
- Oysters with leek butter
Great side dishes include daikon and cucumber salad, corn on the cob with lashings of salt and pepper, grilled eggplant, and mushroom-celery salad.
Grilling Tips and Tricks
Some of the best ways to stand out when it comes to barbecuing include getting creative with the way you cook and serve your meat.
Try using skewers, making meatballs, or making tacos with your grilled meats.
By far the most important tip is to ensure each meat’s cooked to perfection. Under- or overdone meat loses it’s appeal no matter how elaborate your sauces and marinades are.
Check your meats regularly while they’re cooking and use a meat thermometer if you doubt your ability to gauge when it’s done.
Get Creative
So the next time you’re wondering what to grill this weekend, why not wow your friends with your creative culinary creations? There’s no reason to stick to tradition when it comes to choosing good food to grill.
Do you need some more inspiration for entertaining? Browse my blog for more great tips and tricks about the best food and fun activities
