Making the Most of Outdoor Kitchens: Dos and Don’ts of Cooking with Coal
Summertime is here, and that means delicious grilled steaks and relaxing nights out on the deck or patio. Before you fire up the grill, however, read through this quick brief on charcoal grilling, from Bay Area outdoor kitchens installers, so you can delight your guests with that perfect grill flavor and avoid backyard BBQ mistakes which can rob flavors and texture from your meal.
Single Layer Fires for Thin Cuts
Thin cuts work best on a charcoal grill when you create an even layer of coals across the bottom of the grill, which creates a single-layer fire. Thin cuts, like fish filets and select grade beef, will cook nicely on an even layer of heat. Bay Area BBQ islands installers are well equipped to give you a quick tutorial on how many coals to use and how to get an even burn started based on the size and type of grill you will be cooking on.
Two-Zone Fires for Thick Cuts
Thicker cuts, like T-bone and ribeye, are best cooked over a two-zone direct fire. To create this kind of fire, keep two-thirds of the coals on one side of the grate and the remaining third on the other side. Sear the beef over the hotter zone first, then transfer the meat to the cooler side to evenly cook the rest of the cut. Two-zone fires also allow you to cook meats and vegetables at once, or steak on one side and burgers on the other.
Which Cuts to Marinate
Some dryer cuts do better when they’re marinated first. Cuts like bottom round, sirloin tip, and top round should all be marinated for 24 hours prior to cooking. Marinating these cuts first will tenderize the meat and infuse them with moist, juicy flavor.
Over 1,000 Bay Area Hardscape Projects Completed
In the mood to redo your backyard so you can prepare some succulent, wholesome BBQ for the family and neighbors? Contact your local hardscape designers today for help with your backyard remodel. Large or small Viking Pavers can make your yard a better place to spend time this summer. Call us at 800-941-1014 or Send Us a Message today for more information.
